Definition

1. Noun:
   • A body of persons with the authority to make, amend, or repeal laws for a political entity such as a state or nation. It is a formal, organized institution, typically consisting of elected representatives, that holds the primary lawmaking power in a system of government.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The state legislature passed a new budget last week.
  • The bill was debated for hours in the national legislature before the vote.
  • The power to tax is vested in the legislature.

Advanced Usage

• "To convene/adjourn the legislature": To formally bring together or dismiss the lawmaking body for a session.
  • The governor has the power to convene a special session of the legislature.
• "A bicameral/unicameral legislature": A legislature with two chambers/houses (e.g., Senate and House) or a single chamber.
  • The United States has a bicameral legislature known as Congress.

Variants and Related Words

• Legislative (adj): Relating to the process of making laws or to a legislature.
  • The bill is now under legislative review.
• Legislator (n): An individual member of a legislature; a person who makes laws.
  • She is a legislator known for her work on environmental issues.
• Legislate (v): To make or enact laws.
  • Congress has the power to legislate on matters of national defense.

Synonyms

• Lawmaking body: A general term for an institution that creates laws.
• Parliament: The national legislature in countries like the United Kingdom or Canada.
• Congress: The national legislature of the United States.
• Assembly: Often used for the legislative body of a state or region (e.g., General Assembly).

Related Phrases

• "To go before the legislature": To be presented for consideration and debate by the lawmakers.
  • The proposal will go before the legislature in the fall session.
• "Act of the legislature": A formal law or statute enacted by the legislature.
  • This policy was established by an act of the legislature.

Noun

1. persons who make or amend or repeal laws