what does the legislative branch do

The legislative branch makes laws. In the U.S., it is Congress, which has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What it does

• Writes, debates, amends, and passes bills that can become laws.

• Approves the federal budget and decides how government money is raised and spent.

• Oversees the executive branch by holding hearings and investigations.

• Confirms or rejects many presidential appointments, and the Senate also handles treaty approval.

• Can declare war and override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Simple example

If lawmakers want a new rule about schools, roads, or taxes, they introduce a bill in Congress. The House and Senate debate it, vote on it, and if both approve, it goes to the president.

If you want, I can also explain it in one sentence for a kid or make it super short for a class note.