In comparison with the upper house, lower houses frequently display certain characteristics (though they vary by jurisdiction).
Powers In a
parliamentary system, the lower house: • In the modern era, has much more power, usually due to restrictions on the upper house. • Exceptions to this are
Australia,
Italy, and
Romania, where the upper and lower houses have similar power. • Is able to override the upper house in some ways. • Can vote a
motion of no confidence against the
government, as well as vote for or against any proposed candidate for head of government at the beginning of the parliamentary term. In a
presidential system, the lower house: • Generally has less power than the upper house, but maintains exclusive powers in some areas. • Has the sole power to impeach the executive; the upper house then tries the
impeachment. • Typically initiates legislation on appropriation and supply.
Status The lower house: • Can, in a parliamentary system, be dissolved by the executive. • Has total or initial control over budget, supply, and monetary laws. • Has a lower
age of candidacy than the upper house. • Is more numerous than the upper house. • The
Parliament of the United Kingdom furnishes a notable exception. Members of the lower house: • Are
elected directly, while those of the upper house may hold their positions through direct or
indirect election, appointment, or inheritance. • Are elected more frequently, and all at once, not by staggered terms. • Are usually numbered
in proportion to the population of their
administrative divisions, unlike in the upper house. The government of the day is usually required to present
its budget to the lower house, which must approve the budget. It is a widespread practice for revenue (appropriation) bills to originate in the lower house. A notable exception to this is the
West Virginia House of Delegates in the United States, which allows revenue bills to originate from either house. == Titles of lower houses ==