Introduction

The legislative branch makes the laws we all follow. It consists of the U.S. Congress, which is divided into two groups: the House and the Senate. Together, Congress does lots of vital things, including the right to declare war, impeach federal officers, or coin money. Each state has 2 Senators and a certain number of House members based on population. Each House district has around 750,000 people. House members are elected every two years, and Senators have a six year term. Both chambers have largely the same responsibilities (namely, creating legislation), but there are minor differences. For example, the House can impeach government officials, and the Senate votes on Presidential cabinet nominations. As House districts change with the census, they can be affected by gerrymandering, which is discussed in the "Gerrymandering" section in the Learn category. 

Laws can sometimes be vague and confusing. Thus, it falls on the judicial branch of the U.S. Government to interpret and apply these laws. The main court of the judicial branch is the United States Supreme Court, which has 9 members. A Supreme Court justice is there for life and they must be confirmed by the Senate. The judicial branch also has lower courts. The federal court system is divided into 12 districts, or "circuits". If a case is challenged beyond a District Court, it will be moved to the Supreme Court.