Parliament is the supreme legislative body of a country. It plays a crucial role in the governance and decision-making process of a nation. It consists of elected representatives who debate and pass laws, represent the interests of their constituents, and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.

There are two houses of the parliament in many countries, namely the upper house and the lower house. These houses have different names in different countries, but they serve complementary roles in the legislative process. Let's take a closer look at these two houses and their functions:

1. Upper House (also known as the Senate, House of Lords, or Rajya Sabha)
The upper house is typically the smaller of the two houses and is often referred to as the "house of review" or the "chamber of reflection." Members of the upper house are usually not directly elected by the public, but rather appointed or chosen through a different process. Some key features of the upper house include:

- Representation of regions/states: The upper house represents different regions or states within the country. Each region or state is allocated a certain number of seats, ensuring a fair representation of different parts of the country.
- Expertise and experience: Members of the upper house are often selected based on their expertise, qualifications, or experience in specific fields. This helps in bringing diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge to the legislative process.
- Review and revision: The upper house reviews and revises bills that are passed by the lower house. It ensures that legislation is thoroughly examined, debated, and amended if necessary, before it becomes law.

2. Lower House (also known as the House of Commons, House of Representatives, or Lok Sabha)
The lower house is generally the larger of the two houses and is considered the "house of the people." Members of the lower house are directly elected by the public through a general election. Here are some key aspects of the lower house:

- Direct representation: The lower house represents the citizens of the country and their interests. Members of the lower house are elected by the people in their respective constituencies, and they are responsible for voicing the concerns and needs of their constituents.
- Lawmaking: The lower house is primarily responsible for proposing, debating, and passing new legislation. Members of the lower house introduce bills, discuss them, and vote on their passage. Once a bill is approved by the lower house, it is sent to the upper house for review and approval.
- Government formation: The lower house plays a crucial role in the formation of the government. The political party or coalition that has the majority of seats in the lower house forms the government and appoints the Prime Minister or Chief Executive.

Overall, the two houses of parliament work together to ensure the representation of different regions, expertise, and the interests of the citizens. They provide a platform for open debates, decision-making, and the formulation of laws. The upper house acts as a check on the lower house, ensuring that legislation is thoroughly examined and reviewed before it becomes law. The lower house, on the other hand, directly represents the people and is responsible for enacting legislation and forming the government. Through their collective efforts, the two houses of parliament contribute to the democratic governance of a country.