The legislative branch is one of the three branches of government in the United States. It is responsible for making laws and ensuring that they are enforced throughout the country. The U.S. Congress, which includes both the House of Representatives and Senate, makes up this branch along with other federal agencies such as congressional committees and commissions. Through its authority to pass legislation, approve budgets, declare war on foreign nations, regulate interstate commerce, coin money, and oversee immigration policy, Congress holds a great deal of power over all aspects of American life.
The process by which new laws are created begins with members introducing bills or resolutions into either house of Congress, where they will be debated before being passed onto committee hearings for further review if necessary before ultimately going through a final vote in each chamber to become law if approved by a majority vote in both houses (with Presidential signature). Bills can originate from either house but must eventually pass through both chambers regardless so that each has an opportunity to weigh in on them. This ensures that all views are considered when crafting legislation, rather than just those held by one party or faction within the government itself.
In addition to creating new laws or amending existing ones as needed, another key role played by Congress is oversight and investigative powers over executive actions taken by the President and his or her administration officials, including department heads appointed within cabinet departments themselves (i.e., the Department of State). These inquiries typically come via committee hearings, during which time witnesses testify under oath about their knowledge pertaining to specific topics related to investigations taking place at any given moment, allowing lawmakers greater insight into how decisions were made regarding particular policies enacted while also serving as a public forum meant for airing grievances against perceived injustices committed due to official misconduct from previous administrations' tenure(s) office(s).
Congressional representatives have wide-ranging responsibilities within their respective districts too; many spend considerable amounts of time visiting constituents back home and conducting town hall meetings addressing local concerns directly impacting the lives of people living there, not only now but for future generations as well.