6.2 What’s the Difference between the U.S. Congress and the Ohio General Assembly?

The legislative branch at the federal level is called the U.S. Congress, a term established by the United States Constitution, to emphasize its role in representing the entire nation and making federal laws. In contrast, the legislative branch at the state level in Ohio is called the General Assembly, a term rooted in historical tradition dating back to colonial times. Early colonial governments often referred to their legislative bodies as General Assemblies.

This distinction between names underscores the different scopes of authority, with Congress handling national issues and the General Assembly addressing state-specific matters.