why is the legislative branch the most powerful branch in the US govt?

Answer 1

In theory they are equal, however in practice the legislative branch does tend to have a little more power. They are the only branch with the ability to create law. They also have the power to over-rule a Presidential veto and the President requires their approval to appoint justices and members of his/her cabinet. This branch is also the only one that is elected by popular vote, you get the most votes in your district you win. Justices are not elected and the President is elected by electoral vote, not popular vote (the reason why Gore is not our President); therefore, the legislative branch is the true voice of the people.

Answer 2

That used to be true until Bush instituted "signing statements." The legislative branch was given the most power in that it controls the purse, and is the only branch which can vote on a law and make it part of the law of the land, and it was given the authority to declare war. But things have gotten a little fuzzy around the edges as the Supreme Court to many legislates from the bench, and the President declares wars now without a declaration from Congress, and in Bush's case, he can changes laws to mean what he wants with these signing statements.

Answer 3

the leglaslative and executive are equally as powerful in the US as most decisions have to go through both sides and they sort or check up on each other. In Canada however the executive is much more powerful than the legeslative

Answer 4

It isn't. The Judiciary is. The only recourse from a Supreme Court ruling is a Constitutional amendment & that is very dificult & takes years. That bothers me because judges have lifetime appointments.

Answer 5

The three branches are supposed to be co-equal.