The Chamber of Representatives is the primary legislative body; the Senate functions only as a meeting place of the federal communities and regions.

The Chamber of Representatives (Dutch: Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers, French: Chambre des Représentants, German: Abgeordnetenkammer) holds its plenary meetings in the Palace of the Nation in Brussels (see below).

In this case, the mandatory bicameral procedure applies, which means that both Chambers must pass exactly the same version of the bill.

For most other legislation, the Chamber of Representatives takes precedence over the Senate and the optional bicameral procedure applies.

It has the opportunity to, within specific time limits, examine the bills adopted by the Chamber of Representatives and, if there is a reason to do so, make amendments.

The one-chamber procedure applies in cases where the Chamber of Representatives has the sole power to legislate.

The matters for which the Chamber of Representatives is exclusively responsible include naturalizations, ministerial liability, State budget, and accounts and military quotas.

The last session of the United Chambers took place on 21 July 2013, when King Philippe took the constitutional oath.

Under Austrian rule, it housed the Sovereign Council of Brabant before being used as a courthouse during the French period.