Legislature

A legislature is an assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a country, nation or city. They are often contrasted with the executive and judicial powers of government.

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Laws enacted by legislatures are usually known as primary legislation. In addition, legislatures may observe and steer governing actions, with authority to amend the budget involved.

The members of a legislature are called legislators. In a democracy, legislators are most commonly popularly elected, although indirect election and appointment by the executive are also used, particularly for bicameral legislatures featuring an upper house.