What type of legislature is characterized by having two separate houses?

A bicameral legislature is one that consists of two separate chambers or houses that work together to create laws. This structure is often seen in larger countries and states, providing a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. The two houses often have distinct powers and responsibilities, which help to ensure that different viewpoints are considered in the lawmaking process. For example, in the United States Congress, the two houses are the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with its own method of election, terms, and powers.

In contrast, a unicameral legislature has only one house, while a multi-cameral legislature would consist of more than two houses, which is less common. The term "federal" refers to the overarching system of governance that divides powers between different levels of government, rather than a specific structural description of a legislature. Thus, the identification of a bicameral legislature as one with two houses is accurate and reflects a common structure used in many democratic systems.