What is the primary function of the legislative branch of the U.S. government?

The primary function of the legislative branch of the U.S. government is to create and enact laws. This branch is responsible for crafting legislation that addresses the needs and issues faced by society. The legislative process involves drafting proposals, debating them, and voting on their approval or rejection. Once a law is passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President, it becomes part of the legal framework governing the nation.

While other branches of government have distinct roles—such as interpreting laws in the judiciary and enforcing laws in the executive—the legislative branch exclusively holds the power to formulate and adopt new laws, making it a cornerstone of democratic governance. This process allows representation of the electorate's interests, as members of Congress are elected to serve their constituents.

The options related to interpreting laws or enforcing them relate to the responsibilities of the judicial and executive branches, respectively, rather than the legislative branch. Amending the Constitution is indeed a significant function but occurs through a specific, more complex process that often involves the legislative branch alongside other entities, underscoring that the primary role remains lawmaking.