The legislative branch is made up of the House and Senate (also known as the Congress) the branch makes all laws, declares war, controls interstate and external trade and manages taxing and spending plans. Legislatures form important parts of most governments; in the separation of powers model, they are often contrasted with the executive and judicial branches of government. The top official is called the Speaker of the House of Representatives. If the President and Vice President can no longer serve, the Speaker of the House of Representatives becomes President. The legislative branch is the most powerful branch in government they have the power to override a president's decision, stop laws from being passed, and basically control all decisions the governments makes.