What does the term "bicameral legislature" refer to?

The term "bicameral legislature" refers to a legislative body that has two distinct chambers, which is exemplified by systems such as the United States Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure allows for a more thorough examination and debate of proposed laws, as each chamber can review and propose amendments to legislation independently. The inclusion of two chambers is designed to ensure a system of checks and balances within the legislative process, allowing for diverse representation and comprehensive consideration of legislation.

In contrast, a legislative body with one chamber would be termed unicameral, while a government with more than two parties relates to the political party system rather than the structure of the legislature itself. The option discussing direct legislation by citizens pertains to forms of direct democracy, rather than a bicameral structure. Thus, the understanding of bicameralism is crucial for recognizing how different legislative systems function and their implications for governance.