Legislative Branch Clipart

The legislative branch is responsible for crafting, debating, and passing laws in the United States. Known formally as Congress, the legislative branch consists of two chambers – the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral structure was the result of compromises between larger and smaller states during the Constitutional Convention. Together, the two chambers of Congress make up the federal legislative branch.

History of the Legislative Branch

The origins of the legislative branch date back to the Constitution itself. Article I established Congress and vested it with all federal legislative powers. The Constitution delineated certain powers for Congress like regulating interstate commerce, declaring war, and establishing post offices. Over 200 years, Congress has expanded its role with investigating power, economic legislation, and social policy laws. Landmark acts like the Civil Rights Act have demonstrated the major impact legislation can have.

Structure of Congress

The two chambers that make up Congress contain fixed numbers of members allotted by each state’s population. The House starts legislation related to federal revenues and spending while the Senate has powers like treaty ratification and executive appointment confirmations. House members serve 2-year terms while Senators serve staggered 6-year terms. The Vice President presides over the Senate while the House elects a Speaker to serve as its leader.

Powers of Congress

Core legislative powers give Congress responsibility for drafting, debating, and passing federal laws.Generating revenue through taxation and authorizing federal spending via the budget are also key congressional duties. The Senate approves treaties and presidential appointment while the House initiates impeachment cases. Investigative and oversight roles round out formal authority.

The Legislative Process

Laws begin as bills introduced in either chamber and get referred to one or more committees. Committees review, investigate, modify and vote to approve or reject bills before sending to the full chamber. Amending and voting on bills happens on the House and Senate floors before a conference committee creates the final version. After passage in both chambers, bills get sent to the President who can sign or veto them.

Members and Leaders

The House has 435 elected members based on state population while the Senate includes 2 Senators per state. Party membership generally divides along Democratic and Republican lines. Each chamber has party leadership like the elected House Speaker and the Majority Leader selected by the majority party members in the Senate. Committee chair assignments get made largely based on seniority and party affiliation.

Congressional Committees

Much of the specialized work on drafting and researching legislation happens in committees made up of members from both parties. There are over 20 House and Senate standing committees on topics like the judiciary, agriculture, armed services and intelligence. Almost all bills get referred to a committee relevant to its subject matter for revision and debate prior to votes.

Traditions and Culture

Time-honored traditions infuse much of the daily work in Congress. Unique practices range from the State of the Union address to the reading of George Washington???s farewell address. Floor debates are governed by protocol, seniority and strict codes of member conduct. Page programs allow young students to work closely with Congress members while serving chamber needs.

Accessibility

The ability for citizens to directly interact with Congress remains a priority. Gallery passes provide public access for viewing floor debates and hearings. Committee hearings related to important legislation often get televised nationally. And constituent correspondence via phone, mail, email or media postings gives Americans access points to communicate with their federal legislators.

Legislative Branch Clipart

Clipart helps illustrate basic concepts and elements of Congress through colorful cartoons and diagrams. Images may depict the Capitol building, a House or Senate chamber, members debating at microphones, committees meeting at conference tables, votes being cast electronically, the presidential bill signing desk and congressional staff answering constituent concerns.

Significance

The legislative branch serves as the preeminent policy-making body of the federal government that most directly represents the American people. Through legislative debate and law passage, Congress gives voice to voter priorities on the major issues impacting communities and the nation. As public needs evolve, the legislative process allows Congress to regularly update, amend or repeal laws.

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