What does the term bicameral mean in a parliamentary system?

• A. A single-house parliament
• B. Three chambers
• C. No legislature
• D. Two houses of parliament (one makes bills and the other approves them)

Answer: (D)

Bicameral means a parliament has two houses. This setup lets laws be reviewed by two separate chambers, typically with different perspectives or constituencies in mind. In practice, a bill is usually considered in one chamber and then must be approved or revised by the second chamber before it can become law. In Australia, this means the House of Representatives and the Senate work together to pass legislation, with the upper house providing additional scrutiny and balance. The idea that there are two houses, with one responsible for proposing or initiating legislation and the other for reviewing and approving or amending it, captures the essence of bicameralism.