The U.S. legislative branch is the heartbeat of American democracy. It is where laws are created, discussed, and passed to help shape the country’s future. As one of the three main parts of the federal government, Congress has the power to make laws, decide how money is spent, and keep the other branches in check. The legislative branch plays an important role in protecting democracy and representing the people.
Legislative Branch is Defined by the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution creates the legislative branch in Article I, making it the first and most detailed part of the country’s founding document. The writers of the Constitution wanted representative lawmaking to be the top priority in American democracy.
Congress has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is the larger part of Congress, with 435 voting members. The number of representatives each state has depends on its population size. In addition to the voting members, there are six non-voting members from Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. Members serve two-year terms.
The House is meant to reflect public opinion quickly, since its members are elected more often.
Senate
The Senate is the smaller part of Congress, with 100 members—two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms, which are staggered so that about one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years. These longer terms allow senators to focus on long-term policies.
Leadership Roles in the House of Representatives
Speaker of the House
The Speaker of the House is the most powerful position in the House and is chosen by its members. The Speaker is responsible for:
- Deciding which bills get voted on and setting the House’s agenda.
- Running meetings.
- Choosing members for committees.
- Representing the House when working with the Senate and the President.
- Being second in line to become President.
House Majority Leader
House Majority Leader acts as the main spokesperson for their party and works with the Speaker to plan the agenda, organize committee tasks, and promote laws that support their party’s goals.
House Minority Leader
House minority leader acts as the main spokesperson for the opposing party, working to challenge the majority party’s policies and plan for upcoming elections.
House Majority and Minority Whips
Whips help keep their political party organized by:
- Counting votes before a bill is officially voted on.
- Encouraging or convincing members to support or oppose certain laws.
- Sharing party decisions and strategies with representatives.
Leadership Roles in the Senate
Vice President of the United States
The U.S. Vice President is also the President of the Senate, but this is mostly have a symbolic role. The Vice President:
- Leads Senate meetings when they are present.
- Breaks ties by casting the deciding vote when the Senate is evenly split.
President Pro Tempore
The President Pro Tempore is a senior senator, usually from the majority party, who leads the Senate when the Vice President is not there. This role is mostly symbolic, but it is important as the President Pro Tempore is third in line to become President.
Senate Majority and Minority Leaders
The Senate Majority Leader is the most powerful person in the Senate. They are responsible for:
- Deciding which bills will be debated and voted on.
- Negotiating with the House, the President, and the minority party.
- Managing Senate discussions.
The Senate Minority Leader has a similar job but represents the opposing party. They work to challenge the majority party’s plans and help negotiate agreements between parties.
Senate Majority and Minority Whips
The Senate has whips who help keep their party organized by:
- Gathering votes to support or oppose bills.
- Sharing party plans and strategies with senators.
- Making sure party members stay united.
Power of the Legislative Branch
The U.S. legislative branch is responsible for making laws. Both the House and Senate must approve a bill before it can become a law. The President can veto passed laws, but Congress can override the veto if two-thirds of both chambers vote to do so.
Congress has the power to propose changes to the Constitution. These amendments must be approved by two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of the states.
Congress plays a key role in checking the power of the other branches of government by:
- Controlling government spending and taxes (the power of the purse).
- Overseeing the executive branch.
- The Senate approves presidential appointments and ratifies international treaties.
- Impeaching and removing officials.
