---
title: "Legislature — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "A legislature is the lawmaking branch of government. In AP Comp Gov, you compare how independent (or rubber-stamp) legislatures are across the six course countries."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/legislature"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Comparative Government"
---

# Legislature — AP Comp Gov Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The legislature is a governing body that has the power to make laws for a country or region. It is usually composed of elected representatives who debate and vote on proposed legislation.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.1 Parliamentary, Presidential, and Semi-Presidential Systems](/ap-comp-gov/unit-2/parliamentary-presidential-semi-presidential-systems/study-guide/lHawA1movmFiqMkf2WJ0)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Bicameral Legislature](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/bicameral-legislature): A bicameral legislature consists of two separate chambers or houses, such as an upper house (senate) and lower house (house of representatives), each with its own functions.
- [Parliamentary System](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/parliamentary-system): In a parliamentary system, legislative power is concentrated in parliament, which elects or appoints members to form the executive branch.
- [Congress](/ap-comp-gov/key-terms/congress): Congress refers to legislative bodies in certain countries like the United States, where it consists of two houses - Senate and House of Representatives.