Bicameralism

1. Bicameralism, a system in which two assemblies share the task of legislative power, is one of the defining features of many countries. Parliaments in federal countries are frequently, if not usually, bicameral. But the origin of bicameralism can be traced to an era long before the arrival of federations. It is often linked to 14th century England and the organization of its parliament into the ‘divisions of Lords and Commons’. In the United States, home to modern bicameralism, parliaments with two houses were already established by a number of the states long...