The legislative branch is responsible for making laws in the United States. It is composed of the Congress and various government agencies that provide support services to Congress.
Key Facts
- Congress: The legislative branch is primarily composed of Congress, which consists of two parts:
- House of Representatives: Made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. The presiding officer of the House is the Speaker of the House.
- Senate: Composed of 100 Senators, with each state having two Senators. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate. The Senate has the power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties.
- Special Agencies and Offices: In addition to Congress, there are special agencies and offices that provide support services to Congress. Examples of these agencies include the Government Publishing Office and the Library of Congress.
Congress
Congress is the primary component of the legislative branch. It consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
House of Representatives
- Composed of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states based on their population.
- Presiding officer is the Speaker of the House.
Senate
- Consists of 100 Senators, with each state having two Senators.
- Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate.
- Has the power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties.
Special Agencies and Offices
In addition to Congress, the legislative branch includes special agencies and offices that provide support services to Congress. Examples include:
- Government Publishing Office
- Library of Congress
Sources
FAQs
Who are the members of Congress?
Congress is made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House of Representatives has 435 members, and the Senate has 100 members.
How are members of Congress elected?
Members of the House of Representatives are elected by popular vote in their respective districts. Senators are also elected by popular vote, but they represent their entire state.
What are the qualifications to serve in Congress?
To serve in the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state they represent. To serve in the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state they represent.
What are the terms of office for members of Congress?
Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Senators serve six-year terms, and their terms are staggered so that one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.
What are the powers of Congress?
Congress has the power to make laws, declare war, raise taxes, and impeach the President. It also has the power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties.
What are the special agencies and offices that support Congress?
The legislative branch includes special agencies and offices that provide support services to Congress. Examples of these agencies include the Government Publishing Office and the Library of Congress.
What is the role of the Vice President in the legislative branch?
The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate. In this role, the Vice President presides over the Senate and breaks ties in the event of a vote.