Kaksikammiojärjestelmä

Kaksikammiojärjestelmä, known in English as a bicameral system, is a legislative structure in which a parliament is divided into two distinct chambers. Typically, these chambers are referred to as the upper house and the lower house. The specific powers and composition of each chamber can vary significantly between different countries.

The primary purpose of a bicameral legislature is often to provide a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. The two chambers can review and scrutinize legislation passed by the other, potentially leading to more thorough and considered laws. This division can also represent different constituencies or interests. For instance, one house might represent the general population based on proportional representation, while the other might represent specific regions or states, ensuring broader geographical or federal interests are considered.

Examples of countries with bicameral systems include the United States (Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives), the United Kingdom (Parliament, comprising the House of Lords and the House of Commons), and Germany (Bundestag and Bundesrat). In some systems, the two chambers have roughly equal powers, while in others, one chamber holds more significant authority. The relationship between the two houses, including how disagreements are resolved and how legislation is initiated and passed, is a key characteristic of any specific bicameral system.