 Most every state has an upper house, called the Senate, and a lower house, usually called the House of Representatives.  Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral (one house) legislature.

 Usually, state senators serve four-year terms and representatives serve two-year terms.

Senator Bill Montford

Representative Alan B. Williams Representative Halsey Beshears Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda

 Each state constitution lists the qualifications for members of its legislature. In most states… 1. American Citizens 2. Live in the district they represent 3. Must be at least 18 years old

 Many legislatures meet only a few months every two years while other state legislatures meet year-round.  In Florida, the State Legislation is in session for two (2) months of the year.

 State legislatures operate much like the U.S. Congress, which means their main job is to make laws for the state of Florida. At the state level, a law is called a statute.  The Speaker of the House directs business in the house of representatives.  The Lieutenant Governor or a Senate President directs the state senate.

Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Steve Crisafulli

Senate President Andy Gardiner

 Ideas for bills come from the governor, the executive branch, interest groups, individuals, and the legislatures themselves.

 State legislatures have various committees similar to Congress.  The committees study bills, hold hearings, and revise bills if necessary.  Both houses must approve a bill and the governor must sign it before it becomes a law.

 In addition to creating bills and passing statutes, our legislature also has the power to amend our Constitution.  There are five ways that the Florida Constitution can be amended.

Method NameWhat it Means Ballot Initiative Process:A committee sends their idea for an amendment to Secretary of State to place on the ballot during next election; only if they have 611,009 or more signatures on petition. Constitutional Convention:Florida voters can call for a Constitutional Convention if they have the amount of designated signatures on their petition and a majority vote “yes” to hold convention. Constitutional Revision Commission:Composed of 37 members, this commission meets every 20 years to examine the constitution of the state and propose the amendments deemed necessary. Legislative Joint Resolution:The Florida Legislature can pass a joint resolution supported by three-fifths of the membership of each house of the legislature. Taxation and Budget Reform Commission: This 22-member Commission will meet in 2007 and every 20th year thereafter.

 In most states, legislatures draw boundary lines for each congressional election district.  Both chambers of state legislatures must be apportioned or divided into districts based on equal population.

 It is difficult for state governments to pay for the many services Americans expect such as public transportation, better schools, and reduction of crimes.  However, legislatures refuse to vote to raise taxes because it may harm their chances for re-election.