The Legislative Branch—Congress—is central to the U.S. system of checks and balances. The House of Representatives (435 members) represents citizens proportionally by population, while the Senate (100 members) ensures equal representation for each state. Together, they draft, debate, and pass legislation, which must be approved by both chambers before going to the President. Congress also wields significant oversight powers, including impeachment in the House and trial in the Senate, as well as Senate authority to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties. These powers are limited by constitutional constraints and shared governance with the executive and judicial branches.
The Legislative Branch
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