bicameral

Bicameral describes a legislature that has two separate houses, each with a different role and method of choosing members.

• In India, these two houses are the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. A proposed law usually needs to be considered by both houses before it can become law.
• The two-house system gives laws a second level of discussion and review. This can help prevent rushed decisions by requiring another group of representatives to examine a proposal.
• The Lok Sabha mainly represents citizens directly, while the Rajya Sabha gives the states and Union Territories a voice at the national level. This is important in a large federal country such as India.
• For example, even if a Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha, it may be debated, amended, or approved by the Rajya Sabha. This encourages cooperation between representatives with different responsibilities.
• Countries do not all use the same system: some have a unicameral legislature with only one house. India’s bicameral Parliament aims to balance the voice of the people with the interests of the states.