A "lower house" refers to one of the two chambers in a bicameral legislative system, typically responsible for representing the general population. Members of the lower house are usually elected directly by the public and serve shorter terms than those in the upper house. This structure allows for more frequent changes in representation, reflecting the current views and needs of the electorate. In many countries, such as the United States with its House of Representatives, the lower house plays a crucial role in proposing and voting on legislation. It often has the power to initiate budgetary measures and can influence government policies significantly, making it a vital component of the legislative process.