Belgian Federal Parliament, Federal bicameral legislature in Brussels, Belgium
The Belgian Federal Parliament is a bicameral system made up of the Chamber of Representatives with 150 members and the Senate with 60 members. Both chambers meet in the Palace of the Nation in Brussels, where federal laws are debated and passed.
The Palace of the Nation was built between 1778 and 1783 in neoclassical style and became the seat of parliament after Belgian independence in 1830. The building has adapted over the decades through renovations to meet the needs of a modern legislative body.
The two chambers together represent the country's different language communities and regional interests through their members who come from all parts of Belgium. This structure reflects how the system tries to balance competing voices in a divided nation.
The building is visible from the street and a well-known landmark in central Brussels, making it easy to locate. Visitors should know that security measures apply at the entrances and that tours or visits may be available depending on the parliamentary schedule.
The Senate has an unusual composition where some members are appointed from regional and community parliaments rather than directly elected by voters. This system ties different levels of government together in a way that is not common in many democracies.
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