Download The 535 Who Make the Nation`s Laws

The 535 Who Make the Nation's Laws
The legislative branch is the arm of the national government that makes the nation's laws. It
is made up of two houses called the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The legislative branch not only makes the country's laws but also serves as a check on the
office of the presidency and the judiciary. Congress approves or rejects presidential
nominations to high government office and the U.S. Supreme Court. It votes on whether to
approve international treaties. It conducts investigations into public and private wrongdoing.
It proposes constitutional amendments and has authority to impeach and try federal officials
and judges. It has the power to create lower federal courts. It may also declare war.
The Nation's Laws: The primary function of the legislative branch is to make federal laws.
This is a complex process that involves many hearings before members from the Senate and
House may vote to pass a bill. The proposed law must be approved by a majority of the
members of Congress, which includes 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100
senators. Laws address taxation, social programs, national defense, and foreign affairs. At
any one of the many congressional hearings on a proposed law, members can delay, defeat,
or amend the proposal.
Presidential Nominations: The president nominates people to serve on the Supreme Court
as well as other federal courts. The Senate votes to accept or reject the president's
nomination. This procedure serves as a check on the power of the president and the Court.
The Senate does the same for the president's choices for the heads of government
departments, like the secretary of education and the secretary of state.
Presidential Treaties: The Senate reviews and then decides whether to approve
international treaties that the president wants to sign and make law. This is another example
of how the legislative branch balances the power of the executive branch.
Congressional Investigations: The legislative branch has the authority to investigate the
actions of the president, as well as any perceived wrongdoing by public or private
enterprises. It has this power because such investigations could lead to the creation of new
laws. Televised congressional hearings have aroused great public interest since they were
started in the 1950s.
Constitutional Amendments: Congress can propose new amendments to the U.S.
Constitution by a two-thirds vote in both houses. Congress can also call a constitutional
convention to propose amendments if two-thirds of the states make that request.
Impeachment Hearings: The House of Representatives has the duty to draw up charges of
impeachment against officials of the federal government and federal judges if serious
misconduct has been perceived. If a majority of its members vote to impeach, then the Senate
acts as a court.
Federal Courts: By passing legislation, Congress may create federal courts beneath the
Supreme Court. It may also determine the number of justices on the Supreme Court. These
powers allow the legislative branch to check the power of the judicial branch.
Declaration of War: The legislative branch also has the authority to declare war. The
president may temporarily commit troops to a foreign nation or request to go to war, but he
or she does not have the authority to declare war against another nation.