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[[file:L'hémicycle_du_Sénat_français_en_septembre_2009.jpg|thumb|L'hémicycle du Sénat français en septembre 2009]] [[file:Palazzo-madama-senato.jpg|thumb|Palazzo-madama-senato|left]] [[file:House_of_Lords_Chamber.png|thumb| House of Lords Chamber]] [[file:New_Rajya_Sabha_chamber_in_the_New_Parliament_building.jpg|thumb|New Rajya Sabha chamber in the New Parliament building|left]] '''Upper house'''
[[File:L'hémicycle du Sénat français en septembre 2009.jpg|thumb]] [[File:Palazzo-madama-senato.jpg|thumb]] [[File: House of Lords Chamber.png|thumb]] [[File:New Rajya Sabha chamber in the New Parliament building.jpg|thumb]] {{Infobox legislative chamber
| name = Upper House
| type = Legislative
| body = Bicameral Legislature
| house_type = Upper
| country = Various
}}


An '''upper house''', often referred to as a '''senate''', is one of the two chambers of a [[bicameral legislature]], the other being the [[lower house]]. The upper house typically has different powers and responsibilities compared to the lower house, and its members are often selected through different methods.
The '''Upper House''' is one of the two chambers in a [[bicameral]] legislative system, the other being the [[Lower House]]. The Upper House is typically considered the senior or more prestigious chamber, often tasked with reviewing and revising legislation proposed by the Lower House. The specific powers and functions of an Upper House can vary significantly between different countries and political systems.


== Functions and Powers ==
== Functions and Powers ==
The primary functions of an upper house can vary significantly between different countries and political systems. Common functions include:
The primary functions of an Upper House generally include:


* Reviewing and amending legislation proposed by the lower house.
* '''Legislative Review''': The Upper House reviews legislation passed by the Lower House. It may suggest amendments, approve, or reject bills.
* Representing different regions or states within a country.
* '''Representation''': In many systems, the Upper House represents different constituencies or interests than the Lower House. For example, in federal systems, it may represent the constituent states or regions.
* Providing a check and balance on the powers of the lower house.
* '''Checks and Balances''': The Upper House serves as a check on the power of the Lower House, preventing hasty or ill-considered legislation.
* Conducting investigations and inquiries into specific issues.
* '''Special Powers''': Some Upper Houses have unique powers, such as ratifying treaties, confirming appointments, or conducting impeachment trials.


In some political systems, the upper house has the power to veto or delay legislation, while in others, its role is more advisory.
== Composition ==
The composition of an Upper House can vary widely:


== Membership ==
* '''Appointment''': Members may be appointed by the head of state, government, or other bodies.
The method of selecting members of the upper house can vary widely. Common methods include:
* '''Election''': Members may be directly or indirectly elected by the public or by regional legislatures.
* '''Hereditary''': In some systems, membership may be hereditary, as seen in the [[House of Lords]] in the United Kingdom.


* Direct election by the public.
== Examples of Upper Houses ==
* Appointment by the head of state or government.
 
* Election by members of the lower house.
* '''[[United States Senate]]''': The Senate is the Upper House of the United States Congress, with two senators from each state, serving six-year terms.
* Hereditary positions, as seen in some traditional monarchies.
* '''[[House of Lords]]''': The House of Lords is the Upper House of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, with life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.
* '''[[Bundesrat (Germany)]]''': The Bundesrat is the Upper House of the German Parliament, representing the federal states.
 
== Differences from Lower House ==


The term lengths for members of the upper house also vary, with some serving fixed terms and others serving for life.
The Upper House often differs from the Lower House in several key aspects:


== Examples of Upper Houses ==
* '''Term Length''': Members of the Upper House often serve longer terms than those in the Lower House.
* The [[United States Senate]] is the upper house of the [[United States Congress]].
* '''Representation''': The Upper House may represent different constituencies, such as states or regions, rather than population-based districts.
* The [[House of Lords]] is the upper house of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom]].
* '''Powers''': The Upper House may have different or more limited powers compared to the Lower House, particularly in initiating financial legislation.
* The [[Senate of Canada]] is the upper house of the [[Parliament of Canada]].
 
* The [[Bundesrat (Germany)|Bundesrat]] is the upper house of the [[Parliament of Germany]].
== Criticisms and Reforms ==


== Comparison with Lower House ==
Upper Houses have faced criticism for being undemocratic or unrepresentative, particularly when members are appointed rather than elected. Reforms have been proposed or implemented in various countries to address these concerns, such as introducing elections or changing the method of appointment.
The upper house often differs from the lower house in several key ways:


* '''Representation''': The upper house may represent regions, states, or other entities, while the lower house typically represents the population at large.
== Also see ==
* '''Powers''': The upper house may have different legislative powers, such as the ability to review or veto legislation.
* '''Membership''': The method of selecting members and their term lengths can differ significantly between the two houses.


== Related Pages ==
* [[Bicameralism]]
* [[Bicameralism]]
* [[Lower house]]
* [[Lower House]]
* [[Legislature]]
* [[Legislature]]
* [[Parliament]]
* [[Parliament]]
* [[Senate]]
* [[Senate]]
* [[House of Lords]]
* [[House of Lords]]
* [[United States Senate]]
* [[Bundesrat (Germany)]]


== Categories ==
{{Legislature}}
[[Category:Legislatures]]
 
[[Category:Government]]
[[Category:Legislative branch]]
[[Category:Government institutions]]
[[Category:Political systems]]
[[Category:Political systems]]
{{Legislature-stub}}

Revision as of 15:21, 9 December 2024

File:Palazzo-madama-senato.jpg

Template:Infobox legislative chamber

The Upper House is one of the two chambers in a bicameral legislative system, the other being the Lower House. The Upper House is typically considered the senior or more prestigious chamber, often tasked with reviewing and revising legislation proposed by the Lower House. The specific powers and functions of an Upper House can vary significantly between different countries and political systems.

Functions and Powers

The primary functions of an Upper House generally include:

  • Legislative Review: The Upper House reviews legislation passed by the Lower House. It may suggest amendments, approve, or reject bills.
  • Representation: In many systems, the Upper House represents different constituencies or interests than the Lower House. For example, in federal systems, it may represent the constituent states or regions.
  • Checks and Balances: The Upper House serves as a check on the power of the Lower House, preventing hasty or ill-considered legislation.
  • Special Powers: Some Upper Houses have unique powers, such as ratifying treaties, confirming appointments, or conducting impeachment trials.

Composition

The composition of an Upper House can vary widely:

  • Appointment: Members may be appointed by the head of state, government, or other bodies.
  • Election: Members may be directly or indirectly elected by the public or by regional legislatures.
  • Hereditary: In some systems, membership may be hereditary, as seen in the House of Lords in the United Kingdom.

Examples of Upper Houses

  • United States Senate: The Senate is the Upper House of the United States Congress, with two senators from each state, serving six-year terms.
  • House of Lords: The House of Lords is the Upper House of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, with life peers, bishops, and hereditary peers.
  • Bundesrat (Germany): The Bundesrat is the Upper House of the German Parliament, representing the federal states.

Differences from Lower House

The Upper House often differs from the Lower House in several key aspects:

  • Term Length: Members of the Upper House often serve longer terms than those in the Lower House.
  • Representation: The Upper House may represent different constituencies, such as states or regions, rather than population-based districts.
  • Powers: The Upper House may have different or more limited powers compared to the Lower House, particularly in initiating financial legislation.

Criticisms and Reforms

Upper Houses have faced criticism for being undemocratic or unrepresentative, particularly when members are appointed rather than elected. Reforms have been proposed or implemented in various countries to address these concerns, such as introducing elections or changing the method of appointment.

Also see

Legislature
Chambers
Parliament
Parliamentary procedure
Types
Legislatures by country
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