In which branch of government does Congress belong?

Congress is a key component of the legislative branch of government. This branch is primarily responsible for creating laws, representing the public, and overseeing the functioning of the federal government. The legislative process typically involves lawmakers proposing bills, debating them, and then voting to approve or reject them.

This structure is vital for maintaining a system of checks and balances, as it ensures that no single branch of government has unchecked power. The legislative branch, through Congress, holds significant authority, including the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war. The other branches—executive and judicial—serve different purposes, with the executive branch focused on enforcing laws and the judicial branch interpreting them. The administrative branch is not a recognized branch of the U.S. government in the context of the separation of powers. Thus, identifying Congress as part of the legislative branch emphasizes its primary role in lawmaking and governance.