Legislature (noun)

1. A body with the power to make laws, especially for a country or state.
2. The period during which such a body is in session.

Origin:

Mid 17th century: from french législature, from législatif "relating to legislation", from latin legis "of laws" + latus "carried".

Examples:

1. The state legislature.
2. The national legislature.
3. The legislative session.
4. The legislature passed the bill.
5. The legislature is in session.