Alavartalo

Alavartalo is a Finnish term that literally translates to "lower house." It most commonly refers to the lower chamber of a bicameral legislature. In a bicameral system, there are two legislative bodies, typically with one being called the "upper house" and the other the "lower house." The alavartalo generally represents the population more directly, often with members elected from constituencies based on population size. Its powers can vary significantly depending on the specific country's constitution but often include initiating legislation, approving budgets, and overseeing the executive branch. The term is not widely used outside of Finnish contexts but describes a fundamental component of many parliamentary democracies. In countries with a bicameral system, the alavartalo is usually considered the primary legislative body due to its direct representation of the people. Its specific functions and relationship with the upper house are crucial to understanding the legislative process of that nation.