Ylähuone

Ylähuone is a term that can refer to different things depending on the context, but most commonly it denotes an upper chamber in a bicameral legislature. In Finland, the term is not used for the current parliament, as Finland has a unicameral system known as Eduskunta. Historically, however, Finland did have a bicameral parliament.

The Grand Duchy of Finland, during Russian rule, had a Diet of Finland composed of four estates: nobility, clergy, burghers, and peasants. This was not a bicameral system in the modern sense. Later, following reforms, there were attempts and discussions that involved concepts of upper and lower houses.

More broadly, an upper house in a bicameral system is typically a chamber that is distinct from the lower house in its composition, powers, or method of election. Often, upper houses are designed to provide a more deliberative or representative body, perhaps with members elected for longer terms or representing specific regions or interests. Examples of upper houses in other countries include the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, the Senate in the United States, and the Senate in Canada. The specific functions and powers of an upper house vary significantly by country.