The Legislative Branch – Accountable to the People

Article I of the U.S. Constitution grants all legislative powers to a bicameral (two Chamber) Congress –  The House of Representatives and the Senate, a result of a “Great Compromise” to balance the effects of popular majorities with the interests of the states. 

Congress enacts laws that influence the daily lives of all Americans and is intended to serve as the voice of the People.

The United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. is known as the ‘People’s House’, a symbol of the American People, our Government, and houses the meeting chambers of the  Congress – The House and Senate. 

The American People hold the Legislative Branch accountable by exercising our right to vote to elect Representatives and Senators to Congress and exercising our Constitutional rights including ‘Freedom of Speech or of the Press, to Peaceably Assemble, and to Petition the Government for a Redress of Grievances’…U.S, Constitution First Amendment

For the House of Representatives and the Senate, elected Representatives and Senators from each state serve in Congress.  Although the House and Senate are structured differently and have their own roles and responsibilities, they work together to pass legislation.  No bill can become law without passing both houses of Congress.

Legislative Branch Powers include:

  • Drafting and Enacting Legislation and the Laws of our Nation
  • Provide for the Common Defense and General Welfare of the United States
  • Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrections and Repel Invasions
  • Conducting Oversight of the Executive Branch – Important Congressional Check on the President’s Power and a Balance Against His/Her Discretion in Implementing Laws and Making Regulations – Investigative, Impeachment, Confirmation, Appropriations, Authorization, and Budget Processes
  • Having the Authority to Declare War, Raise and Support Armies
  • Regulates Interstate and Foreign Commerce
  • Controls Taxing, Spending, and Borrowing Policies
  • To Coin Money and Fix the Standard of Weights and Measures
  • Provide for the Punishment of Counterfeiting
  • Establish Uniform Rules on Naturalization
  • Establish Uniform Laws of Bankruptcies throughout the U.S.
  • Establish Post Offices
  • Regulate Intellectual Property
  • Define and Punish Maritime Piracies and Felonies
  • Holds Hearings to Inform the Legislative Process