Which term refers to a legislature with two houses?

The term that refers to a legislature with two houses is "bicameral." This structure is commonly found in many democratic systems where legislative powers are divided between two separate chambers. Each house typically has distinct roles, responsibilities, and methods of election or appointment, allowing for a system of checks and balances within the legislative process.

For example, in the United States, Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with its own powers and functions. This structure helps ensure that different viewpoints can be represented and that legislation is thoroughly debated before becoming law.

Understanding the concept of bicameralism is essential because it highlights how different countries organize their legislatures to promote a diverse representation of interests and maintain a balanced governmental structure. In contrast, unicameral systems have a single legislative body, and tricameral systems, though rare, have three distinct chambers. The parliamentary system can exist in both bicameral and unicameral forms, so it does not specifically define this two-house structure.