Legislature
Definition
The branch of government responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws.
Explanation
Every democracy has a legislative body where elected representatives debate and pass laws. In the US, the legislature is Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the UK, it is Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In Canada, Parliament includes the Senate and the House of Commons. In Australia, the Federal Parliament comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. Most legislatures are bicameral (two chambers), which provides an additional layer of review before laws are enacted.
Why this matters for your test
You need to know the name of your country's legislature, its structure, and how laws are made.
Frequently asked questions
What does Legislature mean?
The branch of government responsible for making, amending, and repealing laws. Every democracy has a legislative body where elected representatives debate and pass laws. In the US, the legislature is Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the UK, it is Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. In Canada, Parliament includes the Senate and the House of Commons. In Australia, the Federal Parliament comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. Most legislatures are bicameral (two chambers), which provides an additional layer of review before laws are enacted.
Why is Legislature important for the citizenship test?
You need to know the name of your country's legislature, its structure, and how laws are made.
How might Legislature appear on the test?
Expect a multiple-choice question that either asks for the definition of Legislature, or asks you to identify it from a short scenario. Practising real exam-style questions is the fastest way to lock the term in.
Source: General civics terminology
