TRICAMERAL PARLIAMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A tricameral parliament refers to a legislative body consisting of three separate chambers or houses. Each chamber represents and serves a specific purpose within the overall parliamentary structure. The concept of a tricameral parliament is distinguished by its divergence from the more common bicameral system, which typically features two chambers.
In a tricameral parliament, the three chambers are usually designed to serve distinct purposes and functions, thus allowing for a more intricate and balanced system of governance. These chambers are often classified differently based on the specific roles they play. For example, a tricameral parliament may divide its chambers into an upper house, a lower house, and a middle or regional house.
The primary rationale behind establishing a tricameral parliament is often to ensure greater representation and equitable power distribution among different groups or regions within a country. By granting each chamber specific responsibilities, the tricameral system fosters checks and balances and allows for specialized focus on various legislative matters. Additionally, it enables the inclusion of minority groups or regions that may otherwise be underrepresented in a traditional bicameral structure.
It is important to note that while tricameral parliaments have been implemented in some countries throughout history, they remain relatively rare compared to bicameral systems. The specific arrangements and distinctions among the chambers can vary significantly based on a country's political system.
Etymology of TRICAMERAL PARLIAMENT
The term "tricameral parliament" is derived from the combination of two words: "tricameral" and "parliament".
1. Tricameral: This word originates from the Latin prefix "tri-" meaning "three", and the English word "cameral", which is derived from the Latin "camera" meaning "chamber". In this context, "cameral" refers to a chamber or room used for discussions or meetings. Therefore, "tricameral" refers to a political system having three chambers or legislative bodies.
2. Parliament: This word comes from the Old French term "parlement", which dates back to the 13th century. It is further derived from the Latin word "parlamentum", meaning "speaking" or "speech". The term originally referred to a formal discussion or conference, typically involving representatives who would gather to discuss and debate matters of governance.
