Table of Contents Chapter 1 DUTIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 4 Chapter 2 AN INSIDE LOOK AT CONGRESS 11 Chapter 3 MAKING LAWS 17 Chapter 4 THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH AND YOU 24 What Do You Think 29 Glossary 30 Learn More 31 Index 32
4 Chapter 1 DUTIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Bang A gavel strikes a desk in the US Capitol in Washington DC Silence falls across the room The room holds 435 members of the House of Representatives On the other side of the building another gavel strikes It grabs the 100 member Senate's attention and brings their meeting to order Both groups make up the US Congress Together they share the important job of making laws for the country
Inside the Capitol Visitors can see inside both chambers At first the work of the legislature can seem quiet Congressional members shuffle papers and huddle to speak privately But sometimes members rise to debate and excitement can fill the room during a vote Members vote yes or no This is what representative democracy looks like Members of the House of Representatives in 2022 5
