The Legislative Branch

The Constitution begins with the Congress. The delegates started here because this branch passes the laws. It is the most important branch. It is also the part of government that is closest to the people. This branch represents the people of each state. Article I sets up the House of Representatives and the Senate. It says how the members of each body will be chosen, who can be a member, and how many members each body will have. The most important part of Article I tells what kinds of laws Congress can pass and what kinds it cannot pass. Among other things, Congress can enact taxes, borrow money, and declare war.

A serious responsibility of Congress is to declare war at the request of the President.