diff --git a/backend/app/main.py b/backend/app/main.py
index a7bd010..44c8aac 100644
--- a/backend/app/main.py
+++ b/backend/app/main.py
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 from fastapi import FastAPI
 from fastapi.middleware.cors import CORSMiddleware
 
-from app.routers import ingest
+from app.routers import ingest, query
 
 app = FastAPI(title="RAG Video Q&A", version="1.0.0")
 
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ app.add_middleware(
 )
 
 app.include_router(ingest.router, prefix="/api/v1")
+app.include_router(query.router, prefix="/api/v1")
 
 
 @app.get("/health")
diff --git a/backend/app/models/ingest.py b/backend/app/models/ingest.py
index e93a4be..1deda9d 100644
--- a/backend/app/models/ingest.py
+++ b/backend/app/models/ingest.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ from pydantic import BaseModel
 
 class SourceMetadata(BaseModel):
     filename: str
-    upload_date: datetime
+    upload_date: str
     content_summary: str
     chunk_index: int
 
diff --git a/backend/app/routers/query.py b/backend/app/routers/query.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..485f1ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/app/routers/query.py
@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+"""Query router for RAG pipeline."""
+from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException
+
+from app.core.config import get_settings
+from app.models.ingest import QueryRequest, QueryResponse, SourceMetadata
+from app.services.llm_client import LLMClient
+from app.services.query_decomposer import QueryDecomposer
+from app.services.relevance_filter import RelevanceFilter
+from app.services.rag import RAGService
+
+router = APIRouter(tags=["query"])
+
+
+@router.post("/query", response_model=QueryResponse)
+async def query(request: QueryRequest):
+    """Execute the 3-step RAG query pipeline.
+
+    Pipeline:
+    1. QueryDecomposer: Extract keywords from question
+    2. RAGService.retrieve: Get relevant chunks from ChromaDB
+    3. RelevanceFilter: Score and filter chunks by relevance
+    4. RAGService.generate_response: Generate bullet-point answer
+    """
+    settings = get_settings()
+
+    if not request.question or not request.question.strip():
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Question is required")
+
+    try:
+        llm_client = LLMClient(settings)
+        decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm_client)
+        keywords = decomposer.decompose(request.question)
+
+        rag = RAGService(llm_client=llm_client)
+        chunks = rag.retrieve(keywords, n_results=10)
+
+        if not chunks:
+            return QueryResponse(
+                keywords=keywords,
+                answer="I could not find any relevant information to answer your question.",
+                sources=[],
+            )
+
+        relevance_filter = RelevanceFilter(llm_client)
+        filtered = relevance_filter.filter(request.question, chunks, threshold=7.0)
+
+        if not filtered:
+            return QueryResponse(
+                keywords=keywords,
+                answer="I could not find any relevant information to answer your question.",
+                sources=[],
+            )
+
+        chunk_texts = [chunk for chunk, _meta in filtered]
+        chunk_metadata = [meta for _chunk, meta in filtered]
+
+        answer = rag.generate_response(request.question, chunk_texts, chunk_metadata)
+
+        sources = []
+        for meta in chunk_metadata:
+            sources.append(
+                SourceMetadata(
+                    filename=meta.get("filename", "unknown"),
+                    upload_date=meta.get("upload_date", ""),
+                    content_summary=meta.get("content_summary", ""),
+                    chunk_index=meta.get("chunk_index", 0),
+                )
+            )
+
+        return QueryResponse(
+            keywords=keywords,
+            answer=answer,
+            sources=sources,
+        )
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=f"Query failed: {str(e)}")
diff --git a/backend/app/services/query_decomposer.py b/backend/app/services/query_decomposer.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ff3b566
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/app/services/query_decomposer.py
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+"""Query decomposer service.
+
+This module provides a lightweight QueryDecomposer that delegates the
+translation of a natural language question into a list of keyword search
+terms to an LLM client. The interface is intentionally minimal to support
+test-driven development for Phase 1.3.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+from typing import List
+
+
+class QueryDecomposer:
+    """Decompose a natural language question into a list of keywords.
+
+    The class expects an object that exposes a ``complete(prompt: str) -> str``
+    method (an LLM client). The ``decompose`` method builds a prompt, asks the
+    LLM to return a JSON array of strings, and parses that JSON into a Python
+    list of strings. Edge cases are handled gracefully.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, llm_client) -> None:
+        self.llm_client = llm_client
+
+    def decompose(self, question: str) -> List[str]:
+        """Return a list of keywords extracted for the given question.
+
+        Args:
+            question: The natural language question to decompose.
+
+        Returns:
+            A list of keyword strings. If the LLM response is invalid or the
+            input is empty, an empty list is returned.
+        """
+
+        if question is None or question.strip() == "":
+            return []
+
+        prompt = f"Given question: '{question}', extract key search keywords as JSON array"
+
+        try:
+            response = self.llm_client.complete(prompt)
+        except Exception:
+            # If the LLM call fails for any reason, defensively return no keywords
+            return []
+
+        if not isinstance(response, str):
+            response = str(response)
+
+        try:
+            data = json.loads(response)
+        except json.JSONDecodeError:
+            # Invalid JSON – treat as no keywords
+            return []
+
+        if not isinstance(data, list):
+            return []
+
+        # If all items are strings, return as-is. Otherwise, coerce to strings.
+        if len(data) == 0:
+            return []
+        if all(isinstance(item, str) for item in data):
+            return data  # type: ignore[return-value]
+        return [str(item) for item in data]
diff --git a/backend/app/services/relevance_filter.py b/backend/app/services/relevance_filter.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7ec00d1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/app/services/relevance_filter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+from typing import List, Tuple, Dict
+
+
+class RelevanceFilter:
+    """RelevanceFilter batches chunk texts to an LLM and selects those with
+    relevance scores above a threshold.
+
+    The constructor expects an llm_client-like object with a `complete(prompt: str, temperature: float = 0.7) -> str` method.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, llm_client):
+        self.llm_client = llm_client
+
+    def _build_prompt(self, question: str, chunks: List[Tuple[str, Dict]]) -> str:
+        """Build the single prompt that asks the LLM to score all chunks.
+
+        The prompt format is designed to be simple and deterministic for tests:
+        - Include the question
+        - List the chunk texts in order
+        - Ask for a JSON array of scores corresponding to each chunk
+        """
+        texts = [chunk_text for (chunk_text, _meta) in chunks]
+        # Keep the prompt readable and deterministic
+        prompt = (
+            f"Given question '{question}' and these document chunks, rate each 0-10 for relevance. "
+            f"Return JSON array of scores. Chunks: {texts}"
+        )
+        return prompt
+
+    def filter(
+        self, question: str, chunks: List[Tuple[str, Dict]], threshold: float = 7.0
+    ) -> List[Tuple[str, Dict]]:
+        """Return only chunks whose relevance score exceeds the threshold.
+
+        - Chunks are sent to the LLM in a single batch call.
+        - Expects the LLM to respond with a JSON array of numbers, in the same
+          order as the provided chunks.
+        - If input is empty, returns an empty list.
+        - If the LLM response cannot be parsed or the length mismatches, returns an empty list.
+        """
+
+        if not chunks:
+            return []
+
+        prompt = self._build_prompt(question, chunks)
+        response = self.llm_client.complete(prompt, temperature=0.0)
+
+        scores: List[float] = []
+        try:
+            parsed = json.loads(response)
+            if not isinstance(parsed, list):
+                return []
+            # Ensure all values are numeric
+            for v in parsed:
+                if isinstance(v, (int, float)):
+                    scores.append(float(v))
+                else:
+                    return []
+        except Exception:
+            # Gracefully handle invalid JSON or unexpected formats
+            return []
+
+        if len(scores) != len(chunks):
+            return []
+
+        result: List[Tuple[str, Dict]] = []
+        for (chunk, meta), score in zip(chunks, scores):
+            if score > threshold:
+                result.append((chunk, meta))
+
+        return result
diff --git a/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query.py b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query.py
index 872d5c0..833dfdb 100644
--- a/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query.py
+++ b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query.py
@@ -7,19 +7,91 @@ Covers:
 - Source metadata inclusion
 """
 import pytest
+from fastapi.testclient import TestClient
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock, patch
 
 
 class TestQuery:
     """RAG query endpoint tests."""
 
-    def test_query_returns_bullets(self):
+    @pytest.fixture
+    def client(self):
+        """Create test client with mocked dependencies."""
+        from app.main import app
+        return TestClient(app)
+
+    def test_query_returns_bullets(self, client):
         """Should return bullet-point answer with source metadata."""
-        pass  # TODO: implement
+        with patch("app.routers.query.QueryDecomposer") as mock_decomposer_class:
+            mock_decomposer = MagicMock()
+            mock_decomposer.decompose.return_value = ["test", "keywords"]
+            mock_decomposer_class.return_value = mock_decomposer
 
-    def test_query_strict_rag_no_hallucination(self):
-        """Should refuse to answer when no relevant context retrieved."""
-        pass  # TODO: implement
+            with patch("app.routers.query.RAGService") as mock_rag_class:
+                mock_rag = MagicMock()
+                mock_rag.retrieve.return_value = [
+                    ("chunk one", {"filename": "test.pdf"}, 0.1),
+                    ("chunk two", {"filename": "test.pdf"}, 0.2),
+                ]
+                mock_rag.generate_response.return_value = "- Bullet point answer\n- Another point"
+                mock_rag_class.return_value = mock_rag
 
-    def test_query_includes_source_metadata(self):
-        """Should include filename, upload_date in response."""
-        pass  # TODO: implement
+                with patch("app.routers.query.RelevanceFilter") as mock_filter_class:
+                    mock_filter = MagicMock()
+                    mock_filter.filter.return_value = [
+                        ("chunk one", {"filename": "test.pdf"}),
+                        ("chunk two", {"filename": "test.pdf"}),
+                    ]
+                    mock_filter_class.return_value = mock_filter
+
+                    response = client.post(
+                        "/api/v1/query",
+                        json={"question": "What is this about?"},
+                    )
+
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        data = response.json()
+        assert "keywords" in data
+        assert data["keywords"] == ["test", "keywords"]
+        assert "answer" in data
+        assert "- Bullet point answer" in data["answer"]
+        assert "sources" in data
+        assert len(data["sources"]) == 2
+        assert data["sources"][0]["filename"] == "test.pdf"
+
+    def test_query_no_relevant_chunks(self, client):
+        """Should handle case when no relevant chunks found."""
+        with patch("app.routers.query.QueryDecomposer") as mock_decomposer_class:
+            mock_decomposer = MagicMock()
+            mock_decomposer.decompose.return_value = ["test"]
+            mock_decomposer_class.return_value = mock_decomposer
+
+            with patch("app.routers.query.RAGService") as mock_rag_class:
+                mock_rag = MagicMock()
+                mock_rag.retrieve.return_value = [
+                    ("chunk one", {"filename": "test.pdf"}, 0.1),
+                ]
+                mock_rag.generate_response.return_value = "I could not find any relevant information."
+                mock_rag_class.return_value = mock_rag
+
+                with patch("app.routers.query.RelevanceFilter") as mock_filter_class:
+                    mock_filter = MagicMock()
+                    mock_filter.filter.return_value = []
+                    mock_filter_class.return_value = mock_filter
+
+                    response = client.post(
+                        "/api/v1/query",
+                        json={"question": "What is this about?"},
+                    )
+
+        assert response.status_code == 200
+        data = response.json()
+        assert data["keywords"] == ["test"]
+        assert "could not find" in data["answer"].lower()
+        assert data["sources"] == []
+
+    def test_query_no_question(self, client):
+        """Should reject request without question."""
+        response = client.post("/api/v1/query", json={})
+
+        assert response.status_code == 422
diff --git a/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query_decomposer.py b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query_decomposer.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..944f8c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_query_decomposer.py
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+"""Tests for the Phase 1.3 QueryDecomposer component."""
+
+import json
+from typing import List
+
+import pytest
+
+from app.services.query_decomposer import QueryDecomposer
+
+
+class MockLLMClient:
+    """Simple mock LLM client with a fixed response."""
+
+    def __init__(self, response: str):
+        self._response = response
+        self.last_prompt = None
+
+    def complete(self, prompt: str, temperature: float = 0.7) -> str:
+        self.last_prompt = prompt
+        return self._response
+
+
+def test_decompose_valid_json():
+    llm = MockLLMClient('["alpha", "beta", "gamma"]')
+    decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm)
+    result: List[str] = decomposer.decompose("What are keywords for X?")
+    assert result == ["alpha", "beta", "gamma"]
+    # Ensure the prompt was constructed with the given question
+    assert llm.last_prompt == "Given question: 'What are keywords for X?', extract key search keywords as JSON array"
+
+
+def test_decompose_empty_question_returns_empty():
+    llm = MockLLMClient('["should_not_be_used"]')
+    decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm)
+    result = decomposer.decompose("")
+    assert result == []
+    # LLM should not be called for empty input
+    assert llm.last_prompt is None
+
+
+def test_decompose_invalid_json_returns_empty():
+    llm = MockLLMClient("not-json")
+    decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm)
+    result = decomposer.decompose("Question?")
+    assert result == []
+
+
+def test_decompose_non_list_json_returns_empty():
+    llm = MockLLMClient("{\"a\": 1}")
+    decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm)
+    result = decomposer.decompose("Question?")
+    assert result == []
+
+
+def test_decompose_mixed_types_coerced_to_strings():
+    llm = MockLLMClient('["a", 2, null]')
+    decomposer = QueryDecomposer(llm)
+    result = decomposer.decompose("Question?")
+    # Non-string items should be coerced to strings
+    assert result == ["a", "2", "None"]
diff --git a/backend/app/test/test_phase1_relevance_filter.py b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_relevance_filter.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..826e993
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/app/test/test_phase1_relevance_filter.py
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+import json
+import pytest
+from unittest.mock import MagicMock
+
+# Import strategy: try standard import first, fallback to path hack if needed.
+try:
+    from app.services.relevance_filter import RelevanceFilter  # type: ignore
+except Exception:
+    # Fallback: attempt to load module directly by path to avoid import issues
+    import sys
+    from pathlib import Path
+    path_to_module = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2] / 'app' / 'services' / 'relevance_filter.py'
+    if path_to_module.exists():
+        import importlib.util
+        spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location("relevance_filter", str(path_to_module))
+        module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)  # type: ignore
+        spec.loader.exec_module(module)  # type: ignore
+        RelevanceFilter = module.RelevanceFilter  # type: ignore
+    else:
+        raise
+
+
+def _make_chunks():
+    return [
+        ("Chunk A text", {"filename": "doc1.pdf", "chunk_index": 0}),
+        ("Chunk B text", {"filename": "doc1.pdf", "chunk_index": 1}),
+        ("Chunk C text", {"filename": "doc2.pdf", "chunk_index": 2}),
+    ]
+
+
+def test_filter_basic_returns_only_above_threshold():
+    chunks = _make_chunks()
+    llm = MagicMock()
+    llm.complete.return_value = "[8.5, 3.2, 9.0]"
+
+    rf = RelevanceFilter(llm)
+    result = rf.filter("What is this about?", chunks, threshold=7.0)
+
+    expected = [chunks[0], chunks[2]]
+    assert result == expected
+    # Ensure a single batch call was made
+    llm.complete.assert_called_once()
+
+    # Optional validation of prompt structure (contains the question and chunks)
+    called_prompt = llm.complete.call_args[0][0]
+    assert "What is this about?" in called_prompt
+    for t in ["Chunk A text", "Chunk B text", "Chunk C text"]:
+        assert t in called_prompt
+
+
+def test_filter_empty_chunks_returns_empty_and_no_llm_call():
+    llm = MagicMock()
+    rf = RelevanceFilter(llm)
+    result = rf.filter("Question", [], threshold=7.0)
+    assert result == []
+    llm.complete.assert_not_called()
+
+
+def test_filter_invalid_json_returns_empty():
+    chunks = _make_chunks()
+    llm = MagicMock()
+    llm.complete.return_value = "not json"
+
+    rf = RelevanceFilter(llm)
+    result = rf.filter("Question", chunks, threshold=7.0)
+    assert result == []
+
+
+def test_filter_length_mismatch_returns_empty():
+    chunks = _make_chunks()[:2]  # 2 chunks
+    llm = MagicMock()
+    llm.complete.return_value = "[5, 6]"  # 2 scores, ok length, but threshold will filter all
+    rf = RelevanceFilter(llm)
+    result = rf.filter("Question", chunks, threshold=7.0)
+    # Length matches, but both below threshold -> empty
+    assert result == []
+
+
+def test_filter_all_outside_threshold():
+    chunks = _make_chunks()
+    llm = MagicMock()
+    llm.complete.return_value = "[1.0, 2.0, 3.0]"
+    rf = RelevanceFilter(llm)
+    result = rf.filter("Question", chunks, threshold=5.0)
+    assert result == []