who exercises the lawmaking powers?

Answer 1

The Legislative branch (House of Representatives and Senate)pass bills which are then sent to the Executive branch for signature into law by the President.

Answer 2

The Congress - the legislative branch - has the express power to make laws.

The President - the executive branch - can either veto or pass them, but he cannot engage in "lawmaking" by choosing what to veto. This is why the line-item veto was struck down as unconstitutional.

The Courts - the judicial branch - is empowered to interpret the law and determine if it abides by the Consitution or not. This is not expressly listed in the Constitution, but part of legal precedent ever since Marbury vs Madison gave the courts power of judicial review.

Answer 3

All three branches of government make laws.

The legislative branch makes broad prospective laws (stautes) that are not based on specific factual situations.

The executive branch can issue executive orders that are binding as law within the executive branch itself.

And the courts make common law with every published decision, under the doctrine of precedence.

{EDIT}
It's really sad that most people have so little understanding of how their own government function that they don't realize this.

Answer 4

The legislators - House and Senate.

Answer 5

Senate