What does the term "bicameral" refer to in the context of the U.S. government?

The term "bicameral" in the context of the U.S. government specifically refers to a legislature comprised of two distinct chambers or houses. In the case of the U.S. Congress, this structure consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each chamber has its own unique duties, authority, and procedures, allowing for a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. This design is rooted in the desire to ensure representation that encompasses both the population (in the House) and the states (in the Senate), thus balancing the interests of different groups in the policymaking process.

This two-chamber system allows for more thorough debate and consideration of legislation, as bills must pass through both the House and the Senate before becoming law. This bicameral structure is a fundamental characteristic of the U.S. governmental framework, reflecting the intentions of the framers of the Constitution to create a deliberative legislative process that could incorporate diverse viewpoints.