Which branch of government is responsible for making federal laws?

The Legislative Branch is responsible for making federal laws in the United States. This branch is primarily composed of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of the Legislative Branch propose bills, debate their merits, and ultimately vote on whether to enact them into law. This process is foundational to the functioning of a representative democracy, allowing elected officials to represent the interests and needs of their constituents in lawmaking.

The structure of the Legislative Branch is outlined in the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article I. This article establishes the powers and responsibilities of Congress, the body that comprises the Legislative Branch, indicating that only Congress has the authority to create new laws. This distinct role sets the Legislative Branch apart from the other branches of government, ensuring a system of checks and balances that prevents any single branch from wielding too much power.