The Legislative Branch

                                                                                                                           U.S. Capitol

The legislative branch was established by Article I of the Constitution and consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation and declare war, the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments, and substantial investigative powers.

The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members. The presiding officer of the chamber is the Speaker of the House. Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state (but not necessarily the district) they represent.

The Senate is composed of 100 Senators, 2 for each state, and are elected to six-year terms. Senators' terms are staggered so that about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years. Senators must be 30 years of age, U.S. citizens for at least nine years, and residents of the state they represent. The Vice President of the United States serves as President of the Senate and may cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie in the Senate.

Source: Whitehouse.gov