lagerhuis

Lagerhuis, literally meaning "lower house" in Dutch, is a term used to describe the lower chamber of a bicameral legislature in Dutch-speaking political contexts. It contrasts with the hooghuis, or upper house. The lagerhuis typically represents the general population and has primary responsibility for initiating and passing legislation, examining the government, and approving budgets. The exact powers of a lagerhuis vary by country: in some systems it can amend or veto legislation or initiate motions of censure against ministers; in others its powers may be more limited and the upper house retains stronger veto rights.

In practice, the lagerhuis is usually composed of elected representatives, commonly chosen through proportional representation, with term lengths that differ by country. The chamber often holds the government to account through debates, questions, and votes, and it may have the final say on budgetary matters or on the passage of laws, depending on constitutional design.

Notable examples include the Netherlands, where the Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal functions as the main legislative chamber, and Belgium, where the Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers serves as the lower house of the federal parliament. In both cases, the lower house plays a central role in legislation and government oversight, while an upper house or senate may have complementary or revisory powers.

The term lagerhuis is primarily used in Dutch-language writing and informal references; official names of the chambers are typically used in formal contexts.