Find out about our country's legislative branch.
The legislative branch of the United States government is responsible for making and passing laws. This branch is also known as the Congress, which consists of two separate chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Congress meets in the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
The Senate is composed of 100 members, two from each state, who are elected to serve six-year terms. Every two years, one-third of the Senate is up for reelection, ensuring continuous representation for each state. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate and can cast a tie-breaking vote when needed.
The House of Representatives, on the other hand, consists of 435 members elected to serve two-year terms. The number of representatives per state depends on its population, with the most populous states having more representatives. The leader of the House is the Speaker, who is elected by the majority party.
The legislative process begins with the introduction of a bill, which can originate in either the House or the Senate, except for revenue bills, which must originate in the House. A bill goes through several stages, including committee hearings, debates, and amendments before it can be passed by both chambers. Once both chambers approve the bill, it is sent to the President of the United States, who can either sign it into law or veto the bill. If vetoed, Congress can still pass the bill by a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
Congress has several additional powers, including the power to declare war, impeach government officials, approve treaties, and confirm presidential appointments such as judges and cabinet members. The legislative branch also has an essential role in overseeing and ensuring checks and balances among the other branches of government.