The legislative branch is the part of the government responsible for making laws. In the United States, it is composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress
. Established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution, this branch holds the sole authority to enact legislation, declare war, regulate commerce, control taxing and spending policies, and confirm or reject presidential appointments, among other powers
. The House of Representatives has 435 voting members apportioned according to state populations, plus 6 non-voting members representing territories and the District of Columbia. Members serve two-year terms and have exclusive powers such as initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials
. The Senate consists of 100 members, two from each state, with powers including ratifying treaties and confirming presidential appointments
. The legislative process begins with the introduction of a bill by a member of Congress, followed by committee review, hearings, and amendments before being voted on by both chambers. If passed, the bill is sent to the President for approval or veto. Congress can override a presidential veto with a two- thirds majority in both chambers
. Besides lawmaking, Congress holds extensive investigative powers and controls the federal budget through taxation, spending, and borrowing
. It operates within a system of checks and balances with the executive and judicial branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power
. In summary, the legislative branch is the lawmaking body of the U.S. government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with broad powers defined by the Constitution to create laws, oversee government functions, and represent the people
