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Bicameralism: meaning, definitions and examples

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bicameralism

 

[ ˌbaɪˈkeɪmərəlɪzəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political system

Bicameralism refers to a legislative system that features two separate chambers or houses. This structure is intended to provide a system of checks and balances within a government. Each chamber typically has distinct powers, responsibilities, and methods for electing or appointing its members. This system is prevalent in many democratic countries, including the United States, where Congress is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate. Bicameralism aims to ensure broader representation and prevent the concentration of power within a single legislative body.

Synonyms

bimodal legislature, dual chamber, two-chamber system

Examples of usage

  • The United States operates under a bicameral legislative system.
  • Bicameralism can lead to more thorough debate on proposed laws.
  • Many countries adopt bicameralism to enhance representation.
  • The Senate and House are examples of bicameralism in action.

Translations

Translations of the word "bicameralism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bicameralismo

🇮🇳 द chambers का द्व chambersीयता

🇩🇪 Bikameralismus

🇮🇩 bikameralisme

🇺🇦 двопалатність

🇵🇱 dwukameralizm

🇯🇵 二院制

🇫🇷 bicamérisme

🇪🇸 bicameralismo

🇹🇷 iki meclisli sistem

🇰🇷 양원제

🇸🇦 نظام الغرفتين

🇨🇿 bicameralismus

🇸🇰 bicameralizmus

🇨🇳 两院制

🇸🇮 bicameralizem

🇮🇸 tvö þing

🇰🇿 екі палаталы жүйе

🇬🇪 ორ chambersიანი სისტემა

🇦🇿 iki palatalı sistem

🇲🇽 bicameralismo

Word origin

The term 'bicameralism' originates from the Latin words 'bi' meaning 'two' and 'camera' meaning 'room' or 'chamber'. It came into use in the context of political theory and governance in the 19th century, though the concept has been practiced much earlier. Notably, various ancient civilizations, such as the Roman Republic, employed a dual chamber system, but the formal terminology evolved later as nations began to adopt modern legislative frameworks. The rise of representative democracy in the 18th and 19th centuries significantly popularized bicameralism, as it was seen as a method to balance different interests across classes or regions. Today, it remains a common structure in many national legislatures around the world, reflecting the desire for comprehensive debate and diverse representation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,202, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.