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Concept
Upper house
Summary
An upper house is one of two chambers of a bicameral legislature, the other chamber being the lower house. The house formally designated as the upper house is usually smaller and often has more restricted power than the lower house. A legislature composed of only one house (and which therefore has neither an upper house nor a lower house) is described as unicameral.
An upper house is usually different from the lower house in at least one of the following respects (though they vary among jurisdictions):
Powers:
In a parliamentary system, it often has much less power than the lower house. Therefore, in certain countries the upper house
votes on only limited legislative matters, such as constitutional amendments,
cannot initiate most kinds of legislation, especially those pertaining to supply/money, fiscal policy
cannot vote a motion of no confidence against the government (or such an act is much less common), while the lower house always can.
In a presidential system:
It may have equal or nearly equal power with the lower house.
It may have specific powers not granted to the lower house. For example:
It may give advice and consent to some executive decisions (e.g. appointments of cabinet ministers, judges or ambassadors).
It may have the sole power to try (but not necessarily initiate) impeachment cases against officials of the executive or even judicial branch, following enabling resolutions passed by the lower house.
It may have the sole power to ratify treaties.
In a semi-presidential system:
It may have less power than the lower house
in semi-presidential France, the Government can decide to legislate a normal law without the Sénat's agreement (Article 45 of the constitution), but
It may have equal power to the lower house regarding the constitution or the territorial collectivities.
It may not vote a motion of no confidence against the government, but it may investigate State cases.
It may make proposals of laws to the lower house.
Status:
In some countries, its members are not popularly elected; membership may be indirect, ex officio or by appointment.
Official source
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