What defines a bicameral legislature?

A bicameral legislature is characterized by having two distinct chambers or houses, which typically allows for a more thorough and balanced legislative process. This structure enables different perspectives and interests to be represented in the legislative process, often with one chamber representing regions or states and the other representing the populace directly, as seen in systems like the United States Congress (the Senate and the House of Representatives) or the UK Parliament (the House of Lords and the House of Commons).

The presence of two chambers can facilitate more comprehensive debate on legislation, as proposals must be passed by both houses before becoming law. This can prevent hasty decision-making and ensure that a wider range of viewpoints is taken into consideration.

Other options describe different aspects of legislative bodies or political systems that do not inherently relate to the definition of a bicameral legislature. For instance, a legislature with multiple functions and duties might apply to any legislature, not specifically one with two chambers. Similarly, a single-party system does not necessarily influence the number of legislative chambers, and a legislature that meets infrequently does not define its structure.