Definition

Noun: - Bicameralism: A legislative system, typically in a national government, where the law-making power is divided between two separate chambers or houses. These are commonly called the upper house (e.g., Senate) and the lower house (e.g., House of Representatives).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hiến pháp của nhiều quốc gia áp dụng lưỡng viện chế. (The constitutions of many countries adopt bicameralism.)
  • Lưỡng viện chế giúp cân bằng quyền lực giữa các vùng. (Bicameralism helps balance power between regions.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in political science to analyze and compare governmental structures. It implies a system of checks and balances within the legislature itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Chế độ lưỡng viện: Another term for a bicameral system.
  • Nước này có chế độ lưỡng viện ổn định. (This country has a stable bicameral system.)
• Thượng viện (n): Senate; the upper house in a bicameral system.
• Hạ viện (n): House of Representatives; the lower house in a bicameral system.

Synonyms

• Bicameral system: A system of government with two legislative chambers.
• Two-chamber system: A descriptive synonym for bicameralism.

Related Concepts

• Đơn viện chế (Unicameralism): The opposite system, where there is only one legislative chamber.
• Kiểm soát và cân bằng (Checks and Balances): A principle often reinforced by a bicameral structure.

1. Bicameralism