The term "the Senate" has synonymous expressions such as "Upper House" or "Chamber of Senators". The Senate is a prominent part of the bicameral legislature found in certain countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. The Upper House is responsible for passing bills proposed by the Lower House, representing the interests of individual states or territories, and scrutinizing the actions of the government. The Senate's powers differ from that of the Lower House, and therefore, each country has its own unique functionings. The term "the Senate" can refer to an institution that holds an important role in creating and passing legislation.