U.S. Constitution Article I: Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch Overview

• The Legislative branch is responsible for creating laws in the U.S. and is outlined in Article I of the Constitution.
• Composed of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Key responsibilities: passing laws, declaring war, levying taxes, and holding impeachment powers.

Impeachment Process

• Congress has the sole power of impeachment; initiated by the House of Representatives.
• The House can initiate impeachment charges through a resolution or individual bills.
• The Judiciary Committee assesses whether to pursue impeachment; if approved, articles are sent to the House for a vote.
• If the House adopts articles of impeachment, members act as prosecutors in the Senate trial.
• Over 60 impeachment proceedings have occurred, with eight officials removed—none were presidents.
• Presidents impeached but not removed include Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.

Senate Duties

• The Senate confirms presidential appointments, including Supreme Court justices and cabinet members.
• Only the Senate can conduct impeachment trials, with the Chief Justice presiding during a presidential trial.
• A two-thirds Senate vote is required to remove an official from office.

Joint Powers of Congress

• Both houses must cooperate on multiple legislative duties, including:
  • Laying and collecting taxes
  • Borrowing money
  • Regulating commerce
  • Establishing naturalization rules
  • Coining money and regulating its value
  • Establishing post offices
  • Declaring war
  • Raising and maintaining armies without long-term funding commitments
  • Providing for the militia

Legislative Process

• Only Congressional members can introduce legislation; the president can request legislation.
• Introduced bills go to committees for review; the House has 23 committees, the Senate 17.
• A bill must pass through subcommittees and committees before reaching the House or Senate floor for a vote.
• Differences in bills passed by each house lead to the formation of a Conference Committee for reconciliation.
• Once both houses agree on a final version, the bill is sent to the president for signature.
• The president can veto, return, take no action, or sign the bill. If unsigned for 10 days, the bill becomes law automatically.
• Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote.