Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch is the lawmaking body of the federal government.

Last verified: June 2026

Key Facts

Who: Congress — the Senate (100 members) and House of Representatives (435 members)
Term: Representatives: 2 years. Senators: 6 years (staggered).

About the Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch is the lawmaking body of the federal government. It is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Founders designed Congress to be the most powerful branch, listed first in the Constitution (Article I).

Key Powers

Write and pass federal laws
Declare war
Control the federal budget
Levy taxes
Confirm presidential appointments
Ratify treaties (Senate)
Impeach federal officials (House)
Override presidential vetoes (2/3 vote)
Propose constitutional amendments

Checks and Balances

How the Legislative Branch checks the others:

→ ExecutiveOverride vetoes (2/3 vote), control funding, confirm appointments, impeach the president

→ JudicialConfirm or reject judicial nominees, impeach judges, propose constitutional amendments

How the other branches check the Legislative:

Executive →Veto legislation, call special sessions, recommend legislation

Judicial →Declare laws unconstitutional, interpret statutes

How a Bill Becomes Law→Senate Leaders→Speakers of the House→Congressional History→Constitution Article I→

Legislative Branch

Key Facts

About the Legislative Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Legislative Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Legislative:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch

Legislative Branch

Key Facts

About the Legislative Branch

Key Powers

Checks and Balances

How the Legislative Branch checks the others:

How the other branches check the Legislative:

Related Pages

Explore Other Branches

Executive Branch

Judicial Branch