LibGuides: The Sources of Federal Law: The Legislative Branch (2024)

LibGuides: The Sources of Federal Law: The Legislative Branch (1)

The United States Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government. It is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Congress has the power to collect taxes, print money and regulate its value, punish counterfeiters, establish post offices, create roads, grant patents, create federal courts inferior to the Supreme Court, combat piracy, declare war, raise armies, create a navy, establish rules and regulations for the military, provide for, arm and discipline the militia, exercise exclusive legislation for the District of Columbia, and to make laws necessary to properly execute powers.


The House comprises of 435 voting members. Each representative votes on behalf of a congressional district. The number of representatives each state has is based on a state's population as determined by the United States Census. All 435 representatives serve a two-year term. Each state receives a minimum of one representative in the House. In order to a representative, an individual must be at least 25 years of age and must have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years. There are no limits on the number of terms a representative may serve.

The Senate is made up of two senators from each state, regardless of the state’s population. Senators each serve six-year terms. Approximately one third of the Senate stands for election every two years.

The House and Senate each have particular exclusive powers. The Senate must approve many important Presidential appointments in the various government offices. All legislative bills for raising revenue must begin in the House of Representatives. The approval of both chambers is needed to pass any legislation. The powers of Congress are limited to those listed in the Constitution. The Necessary and Proper Clause grants Congress the power to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers."

LibGuides: The Sources of Federal Law: The Legislative Branch (2024)

FAQs

What sources of law are passed by the legislative branch of government? ›

Legislative branches enact laws called statutes and ordinances. Executive branches enforce and implement these laws through rules and regulations. Judicial branches interpret these laws, rules, and regulations by deciding cases and issuing written opinions.

Who makes up the Congress answer key? ›

1. Congress has 2 parts, the Senate and the House of Representatives. 2. The U.S. House of Representatives has 435 voting members.

What is the main function of the legislative branch select the correct answer? ›

The Legislative Branch of our government makes the laws. The Executive Branch of our government enforces our laws.

What is the legislative branch short answer? ›

The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate, known collectively as the Congress. Among other powers, the legislative branch makes all laws, declares war, regulates interstate and foreign commerce and controls taxing and spending policies.

What is the main purpose of the legislative branch is to interpret laws? ›

The judicial branch interprets laws. The legislative branch makes new laws and modifies existing laws. The legislature includes elected representatives from the various regions of the city, county or state. On the state level this branch is called the state legislature.

What are the 4 sources of law? ›

The four primary sources are constitutions, statutes, cases, and regulations.

Which of the five sources of law originates in the legislative branch? ›

There are different sources of law depending on how the law is established. Constitutional law is a set of foundational principles. Statutory law is established by the legislative branch of government. Common law is established through the court system within the judicial branch.

What is the source of the law? ›

The United States Constitution is the preeminent source of law in the American legal system. All other statutes, court opinions and regulations must comply with its requirements. Each state also has its own constitution.

Who is the head of the legislative branch? ›

The top official is called the Speaker of the House of Representatives. If the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House of Representatives becomes President.

Who is in charge of the legislative branch? ›

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.

What is the legislative branch for kids? ›

The legislative branch, which makes our laws, is the Congress. Congress has two parts: the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Each state has two U.S. Senators and at least one U.S. Representative; the more residents a state has, the more U.S. Representatives it is allowed.

What is the main responsibility of the legislative branch ____? ›

The Constitution grants Congress—our nation's legislative branch—the power to make laws. The legislative branch is outlined in Article I of the Constitution.

What keeps one branch of the federal government from becoming too powerful? ›

The Checks and Balances system provides each branch of government with individual powers to check the other branches and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

What is the most basic function of the legislative branch? ›

The legislative branch is in charge of making laws. It is made up of the Congress and several Government agencies. Congress has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are voted into office by American citizens in each state.

What is the legislative branch quizlet? ›

The legislative branch of government, as described in Article I of the US Constitution, consisting of the House of Representatives and Senate. Primarily responsible for making laws. Legislature. a group of people who have the power to make laws.

What is the main purpose of the legislative branch quizlet? ›

Whats the main function of the legislative branch? The main function of the legislative branch is to write and make the laws. a type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected representatives.

What is the legislative branch of the government Wiki? ›

Legislative branch. The United States Congress, under Article I of the Constitution, is the legislative branch of the federal government. It is bicameral, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What are the duties of the legislative branch of the state government? ›

Legislative Branch

All 50 states have legislatures made up of elected representatives, who consider matters brought forth by the governor or introduced by its members to create legislation that becomes law. The legislature also approves a state's budget and initiates tax legislation and articles of impeachment.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5711

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.