The term "lower house" refers to one of two chambers in a bicameral legislative body, typically representing the majority of citizens. In many countries with a parliamentary system, this chamber is usually called the House of Commons or the House of Representatives and its members are elected by popular vote. The lower house is often responsible for introducing and debating new laws, while the upper house (also known as the Senate) typically has more limited powers such as reviewing and approving legislation passed by the lower house before it becomes law.