Legislative (Congress)

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The Legislative Branch makes and passes laws. It is represented through the Congress.
The Congress is divided in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives consists of 435 members who are elected for a two - year term. The number of members depends on the population of the different states. One representative acts for 500.000 people. The members have to be at least 25 years old.

The Senate has 100 senators who are elected for a six - year term. Each state is allowed to have two senators. Every second year one - third of the senate has to be elected. That guarantees that at least two - thirds of the Senate are people with legislative experience. The minimum age for a senator is 30 years.

[Bearbeiten] The Rights and Duties of the Congress

The Congress:

• must approve presidental appointments (e.g. federal judges)
• can impeach the President from office and remove him (same with judges)
• controls the budget
• can overide a presidental veto with a two - third majority and then pass laws
• can declare war and make peace
• can change laws (amendments)
• has to confirm executive appointments
• can introduce bills on any subject
• can raise taxes
• regulates trade with foreign nations and among the states