What branch of government is established by Article 1 of the Constitution?

Article 1 of the United States Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch, which is responsible for making laws. This branch consists of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The framers of the Constitution designed it this way to create a level of representation that reflects the interests of the populace (through the House) and the states (through the Senate).

The Legislative Branch has several important functions, including the power to create and pass legislation, control federal spending, and declare war. This foundational element underscores the principle of checks and balances, ensuring that no single branch of government holds too much power.

The other branches of government—Judicial (which interprets the law) and Executive (which enforces the law)—are established by Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution, respectively. There is also no specific mention of an Administrative Branch in the Constitution, as administrative functions typically fall under the purview of the Executive Branch. Thus, the correct identification of Article 1 as the establishment of the Legislative Branch is key to understanding the framework of the U.S. government.