bicameral
by-KAM-er-ul
/baɪˈkæmərəl/
Having or composed of two distinct legislative chambers or houses.
Bicameral systems are commonly used in federal states to balance popular representation with regional representation.
The story behind the word. Coined in the late 18th century by political philosophers like Jeremy Bentham, combining Latin 'bi-' (two) with Late Latin 'camera' (chamber, vaulted room).
Word relationships
- two-chamber: 'Two-chamber' is descriptive and informal; 'bicameral' is the formal legal term.
- unicameral: 'Unicameral' describes a legislature with only one single legislative assembly.
Commonly confused with
- bipartisan: 'Bipartisan' involves two political parties working together; 'bicameral' means having two legislative chambers.
Word family
- bicameralism (noun): The legislative structure using two chambers.
Collocations
- bicameral legislature
- bicameral system
- bicameral parliament
Example sentences
- "The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives." Constitutional analysis
Memory hook
BI (two) + CAMERA (chambers) = a parliament with two chambers. Two legislative chambers.
When not to use
Do not use 'bicameral' to describe executive or judicial branches; it applies specifically to legislatures.
Fun facts
- Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature; all other 49 states maintain bicameral lawmaking bodies.
Related words
Explore more words
bilateral, legislate, bilingual, proportional, polycentric, bicultural
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.