Upper house

The upper house, often called a 'Senate', in politics, refers to the highest chamber in a legislature that is bicameral. Characteristics and functions of such institutions vary widely, but generally the upper house in a parliamentary system wields less power, and in a presidential system will be of equal or possibly greater import.

A legislature comprised of only one house is called unicameral.

Some countries have a tri- or even quad-cameral system: here, the upper house will usually remain the highest chamber in a legislature.