THE UPPER HOUSE Meaning and
Definition
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The Upper House refers to a legislative chamber or house within a bicameral system of government. In many countries, particularly those that follow a parliamentary system, the Upper House is an integral part of the legislative body, alongside the Lower House or the House of Representatives. The Upper House is often known by different names; for example, it is referred to as the Senate in the United States and Australia, the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, Bundesrat in Germany, Council of States in Switzerland, etc.
Unlike the Lower House, which represents the general population through direct or proportional representation, the Upper House typically represents broader segments of society or regions. It is often perceived as a more prestigious and deliberative chamber, whose primary function is to review, amend, and scrutinize legislation proposed by the Lower House. The role of the Upper House is to provide a check and balance on the political decision-making process, ensuring that legislation is thoroughly examined from multiple perspectives and preventing any hasty or ill-considered laws from being implemented.
Members of the Upper House are frequently appointed or elected under different criteria than those of the Lower House. They may represent a specific geographical area, serve for a longer term, or possess certain qualifications or expertise. The exact structure, authority, and procedures of the Upper House vary from country to country, but its main objective is to enhance the quality and legitimacy of legislation and serve as a platform for reasoned debate and legislative review.
Common Misspellings for THE UPPER HOUSE
