The legislative branch is one of the three branches of the U.S. federal government, established by Article I of the Constitution. It consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, and all legislative power in the government is vested in Congress, meaning that it is the only part of the government that can make new laws or change existing laws. The legislative process begins with the introduction of a bill to Congress, which can be written by anyone but can only be introduced by members of Congress. During the legislative process, the initial bill can undergo drastic changes.
The legislative branch is one of the three coequal branches of government and is ascribed significant powers by the Constitution. Executive branch agencies issue regulations with the full force of law, but these are only under the authority of laws enacted by Congress. The legislative branch provides checks and balances on the other branches of government to ensure that no individual or group will have too much power. For example, the president can veto legislation created by Congress, but Congress can confirm or reject the presidents nominees and remove the president from office in exceptional circumstances. The Justices of the Supreme Court, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate, can overturn unconstitutional laws.
