Lower house

The lower house is one of the two chambers of parliament in countries with bicameral systems. It is typically composed of members directly elected by the people, with the number of seats apportioned according to population.

The term 'lower' does not denote lesser power. In many countries, the lower house holds the greatest legislative authority, particularly over budgetary and tax matters, while the upper house is often primarily a review and deliberative body.

General characteristics

Lower houses typically have more members than upper houses, shorter electoral terms (usually four to five years), and direct election based on constituency. Because they face regular reelection, they are said to reflect changes in public opinion more rapidly.

Special powers

In many parliamentary systems, the government requires confidence only from the lower house, and that chamber alone can withdraw a confidence vote. Financial legislation also typically originates in the lower house.

Examples

Well-known examples include the House of Commons in the United Kingdom, the House of Representatives in the United States, the Assemblée nationale in France, and the Camera dei deputati in Italy. In Somalia, the House of the People is considered the lower house, while the Upper House represents the regional administrations.