legislative branch

[ lej-is-ley-tiv branch ]

noun

1. the branch of government having the power to make laws; the legislature.

legislative branch

1. The branch of the federal and state government empowered to make the laws that are then enforced by the executive branch and interpreted by the judicial branch . The legislative branch consists of Congress and the fifty state legislatures. At both state and federal levels, legislatures are made up of popularly elected representatives , who propose laws that are sensitive to the needs and interests of their local constituents. After a law is proposed as a bill, it is sent to appropriate committees for several stages of discussion, research, and modification. It is then debated in both legislative houses — except in Nebraska , which has a single-house legislature — and put to a vote. If the law is passed, it is still subject to further modification and final vote by both houses. Under the system of checks and balances , the president can refuse to sign the bill into law (through the veto power). The legislature can then vote to override the veto. Other checks and balances include legislative powers to impeach public officials ( see impeachment ), confirm appointments to the executive and judicial branches, and vote on appropriations .

Word History and Origins

Origin of legislative branch¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Trump has also proposed weakening Congress’ power to direct federal spending — one of the legislative branch’s core functions.

From Los Angeles Times

It is swiftly gathering momentum, fueled by the extremism of the party set to soon control both the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government as well as most of the federal court system.

From Salon

However, the president-elect’s early actions suggest he is more concerned with exercising his presidential power than working with the legislative branch.

From BBC

The supervisors would head up the legislative branch.

From Los Angeles Times

The president is supposed to faithfully execute the law — hence the “executive branch” — and Congress, the legislative branch, is supposed to write the law.

From Los Angeles Times