The term "federal assembly" refers to the legislative bodies of federal governments. In certain countries, it may be referred to by another name, such as parliament, congress, or national assembly. Some federal assemblies are unicameral with a single legislative body, while others are bicameral with two separate chambers. The lower house of a federal assembly is often referred to as the House of Representatives or the Chamber of Deputies and the upper house is known as the Senate or the Council of States. Regardless of what it is called, the federal assembly serves as a vital institution for the functioning of democratic government in countries with a federal system.