Transcript Unit-3-Study

The Legislative Branch
Relevant Standards of Learning
CE.6
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the American
constitutional government at the national level by
a) describing the structure and powers of the national
government
c) explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process
CE.7
The student will demonstrate knowledge of the American
constitutional government at the state level by
a) describing the structure and powers of the state
government
c) explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process
Student objectives
• Explain the structure and powers of the
local, state and national governments.
(CE.6a, CE.7a)
• Explain the lawmaking process at the
local, state, and national governments.
(CE.6c, CE.7c, CE.8c)
What document defines the powers
of government?
The Constitution of the United
States of America
What does “bicameral” mean?
A legislative body consisting of two houses
Name two legislative bodies that
are bicameral.
1. United States Congress
2. Virginia General Assembly
What is the structure of the United
States Congress?
Senate – 100 members (2 from each state)
House of Representatives – 435 members
(based on population)
*Virginia has 11 Congressional districts
What are the qualifications and
length of term for the House of
Representatives?
Must be at least 25 years of age, a U. S.
citizen for at least, and a resident of the
state
2-year term: The entire House is elected
every 2 years
What are the qualifications and
length of term for the U. S. Senate?
Must be at least 30 years of age, a U. S.
citizen for at least 9 years, and a resident
of the state
6-year term: One third of the Senate is
elected every 2 years
What are the basic functions of the
United States Congress?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Make national laws
Approve the annual U. S. budget
Confirm presidential appointments
Raise revenue through taxes and levies
Regulate interstate and foreign trade
Declare war
What is the structure of the Virginia
General Assembly?
Virginia Senate – 40 members
*Marion is in Senate district 40
House of Delegates – 100 members
*Marion is in House district 5
What are the qualifications for the
Virginia General Assembly?
Must be at least 21 years of age and a
resident of the district being represented
What are term lengths for the
Virginia General Assembly?
House of Delegates
2 years
Virginia Senate
4 years
What are some of the influences on
legislation and public policy?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Individual citizens
Interest groups
Lobbyists
Businesses
The media
List and describe the primary issues in
the Virginia General Assembly?
Primary Issues
Education
To promote an informed and
engaged citizenry and establish
minimum standards for local
schools
Primary Issues
Public health
To promote and protect the health
of citizens
Primary Issues
Environment
To protect natural resources
Primary Issues
State budget
To approve a biennial (two-year)
budget prepared by the governor
Primary Issues
Revenue
To levy and collect taxes
Describe the basic steps in the
lawmaking process.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Introducing a bill
Working in committees
Debating on the floor of each house
Voting on a bill by both houses
Signing the bill into law by the president
or governor
What are local laws called?
ordinances
Who creates local laws in Virginia?
1. County Board of Supervisors
2. City Council
3. Town Council
How many members are there in
the United States Congress?
535
What is pictured here?
What is pictured here?
The Library
of Congress
Maria is a 26-year-old who became a citizen
when her parents were naturalized 20 years
ago. She wants to run for election to the
U. S. Senate. Is she eligible?
No, you must be at least 30 years of age.
Name two bicameral legislatures.
• U. S. Congress
• Virginia General Assembly
What Virginia Senate district is
Marion in?
What Virginia Senate district is
Marion in?
What total do you get if you add the following
numbers?
~ length of term for a U. S. Senator
~ total number of Va. Delegates
~ Virginia representatives to Congress
~ minimum age for General Assembly
What total do you get if you add the following
numbers?
~ length of term for a U. S. Senator
~ total number of Va. Delegates
~ Virginia representatives to Congress
~ minimum age for General Assembly
How does a conference committee
participate in the lawmaking process?
Members from each house of the
legislature come together to come up with a
compromise bill when different versions of
the same bill have passed both houses. A
bill must pass both houses in an identical
form in order to go to the executive for
signature into law.
Both houses of the Virginia General
Assembly have voted to pass a bill to
require Virginia residents to pay an extra 1%
sales tax. What is the name of the person
who would sign this into law?
Both houses of the Virginia General
Assembly have voted to pass a bill to
require Virginia residents to pay an extra 1%
sales tax. What is the name of the person
who would sign this into law?
What is the
best way to
pass a test?
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