Legislature
ˈledʒɪsleɪtʃər
Definitions
A body of people, often elected, that has the power to make, amend, or repeal laws for a country or state.
ˈledʒɪsleɪtʃər
A governmental body with the power to make or change laws.
The legislature is meeting next week to discuss the budget.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people, like your school's student council, but for the whole state or country. Their job is to create and change the rules (laws) that everyone follows. They're called the legislature!
👶 For kids: It's like a group of grown-ups who make the rules for everyone in a country or a state!
More Examples
The bill passed both houses of the legislature and now awaits the governor's signature.
Citizens can contact their representatives in the legislature to voice their opinions on proposed legislation.
How It's Used
"The state legislature is responsible for passing new laws."
"The legislature debated the proposed bill for several weeks."
Idioms & expressions
state legislature
The legislature of a specific state in a federal system, such as in the United States or Australia.
"The state legislature passed a bill to increase funding for public schools."
federal legislature
The legislature of the central government in a federal system.
"The federal legislature debated the implications of the new trade agreement."
From Latin *lēgislatūra*, from *lēgislātor* (law-maker) and *lēx, lēgis* (law). It entered English in the late 16th century.
The term 'legislature' has been used since the 17th century to describe bodies with law-making powers, especially within a system of government.
Memory tip
Think of 'legislate' (to make laws) and 'structure' (a group).