A bicameral legislature is a legislative body that consists of two separate chambers or houses, typically referred to as the upper and lower houses. This structure is designed to provide checks and balances within the legislative process, allowing for more comprehensive debate and consideration of proposed laws. Common examples include the U.S. Congress, which has the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the British Parliament, which comprises the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Bicameral systems are often used to represent different interests or populations within a country.