In a modern democracy, the group of elected representatives who exercise the legislative power. In some countries, the legislative assembly is split in two groups or houses, the second of which (sometimes called the Senate, as in France and the United States) is composed of more experienced statesmen and is supposed to act as a moderating influence on the first assembly. In most countries, the head of state has the right to veto laws passed by the legislative assembly.

See also the French Legislative Assembly of 1791 - 1792.