Who has the authority to change laws?

The authority to change laws primarily rests with legislative bodies, such as Congress or state legislatures. These entities are vested with the responsibility of creating, amending, and repealing laws through a formal legislative process, which typically involves the drafting of bills, debate, and voting. This is a fundamental aspect of the democratic process, allowing representatives chosen by the electorate to respond to the needs and issues facing the public.

While other entities, such as the judiciary, executive agencies, and local governments, have roles in the legal system, they do not have the same authoritative power to enact or change laws. The judiciary interprets laws and can influence their application through rulings, but it does not create laws. Executive agencies can implement regulations based on existing laws but cannot change the laws themselves. Local governments can enact ordinances and policies, sometimes through public referendums, but these are generally limited to local jurisdiction and do not encompass overarching state or federal law changes. Therefore, the role of legislative bodies is central to the process of law-making and law-changing, highlighting their critical position in governance.