Who is responsible for making federal laws?

Congress is responsible for making federal laws in the United States. This bicameral body consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, with each chamber playing a vital role in the legislation process. Congress holds the authority to propose, debate, and enact laws that apply at the federal level, directly influencing the governance of the country.

The process begins when a bill is introduced in either chamber. It is then reviewed by committees, debated on the floor, and must be passed by both the House and the Senate before being sent to the President for approval. The structure of Congress provides a system of checks and balances, ensuring diverse opinions are considered and allowing for thorough scrutiny of proposed legislation.

This system distinguishes Congress from the other entities involved in governance. The judiciary interprets laws but does not create them, while the President has the role of executing federal laws and can influence legislation through veto power or recommendations. States, on their part, have the autonomy to enact their own laws but do not have the authority to create federal laws.