Esindajatekojast

Esindajatekojast is the term used in Estonian-language contexts to refer to the lower house of a bicameral legislature, roughly equivalent to the House of Representatives in English. In systems that use it, the body is elected to represent the population and to initiate and pass legislation, often with the power to approve budgets and oversee the government.

Members are usually elected for fixed terms from electoral districts or through proportional representation, depending on the constitution of the country. The assembly is led by a presiding officer, such as a Speaker or President of the House, and operates through committees that scrutinize proposed laws and government actions.

Powers and functions vary by jurisdiction, but common features include introduction of legislation, debate, committees, and voting on laws. In many systems, money bills and confidence matters are the prerogative of the lower house; the body may have the authority to impeach, indict, or other oversight mechanisms, and it often plays a key role in formulating fiscal policy. In bicameral systems, the Esindajatekojast usually acts together with the upper house to pass laws, resolve differences, and ratify constitutional provisions; in unicameral systems, similar functions may be carried out by a single chamber.

The term highlights the representative function of the legislature and the balance of power between elected representatives and the executive branch. See also House of Representatives for the broader concept.