Definition

Legislative body (noun): A group of persons who have the authority to make, amend, or repeal laws for a political entity such as a state or nation.

Usage

This term refers to the official, organized institution vested with the power of legislation. It is a formal and collective term. * The country's legislative body passed a new budget after lengthy debate. * A bicameral legislative body, like the U.S. Congress, consists of two separate chambers.

Examples

• The proposed tax reform must be approved by the national .
• In a democracy, the is typically elected by the citizens.
• The primary function of any is the creation of statutes.

Advanced Usage

• "To introduce a bill in a legislative body": To formally propose a new law for consideration by the law-making assembly.
  • The senator plans to introduce the bill in the legislative body next week.
• "To refer a matter to a legislative body": To send an issue to the law-making institution for its official decision or action.
  • The commission will refer its findings to the legislative body for review.

Variants and Related Words

• Legislature (noun): The most common synonym for a legislative body; the organized body of persons with the authority to make laws.
• Parliament (noun): The national legislative body in countries with a parliamentary system of government (e.g., the United Kingdom, Canada).
• Congress (noun): The national legislative body in the United States and some other republics.
• Assembly (noun): Often used in the names of legislative bodies, especially at the state or regional level (e.g., General Assembly, Legislative Assembly).

Synonyms

• Legislature
• Lawmakers
• General assembly
• House (when referring to one chamber, e.g., House of Representatives)

Related Phrases

• Legislative branch: One of the three branches of government (alongside the executive and judicial), of which the legislative body is the core institution.
  • The legislative branch is responsible for writing the laws.
• Legislative session: A period of time during which a legislative body meets to conduct its business.
  • The new law was passed during the final week of the legislative session.

Noun

1. persons who make or amend or repeal laws