Legislativu

Legislativu, or legislature, is the branch of government charged with drafting, debating, and enacting laws. The term comes from Latin lex, legis and the suffix -ativ; in Romanian, legislativul designates the legislative branch as a whole.

Structure: Most democracies feature a legislative body that is unicameral (one chamber) or bicameral (two chambers). In bicameral systems, two chambers share legislative power, often with different roles or powers. Membership is determined by elections, and terms vary.

Functions: The legislature makes laws, approves budgets, and exercises oversight of the government and public administration. It represents constituents, reviews public policy, and, in some systems, ratifies international treaties or constitutional amendments.

Process: Proposed laws are introduced by legislators or the government, referred to committees, debated, and voted on in one or more readings. If passed, they may be reconciled between chambers and sent to the head of state for promulgation. Vetoes or judicial review may apply.

Relation to other branches: Legislatures operate within a framework of separation of powers with guaranteed independence. Oversight tools include committee inquiries, question time, and budget scrutiny; the judiciary interprets laws, while the executive implements them.

Notes: The exact powers and procedures vary by country; the term legislativul captures the official and collective nature of lawmaking and oversight.