Structure and Function of the Legislative Branch – State and Local UNIT IV – Legislative and Executive Branches
Legislative Branch – State Level Called: General Assembly Role: To make state laws (statutes) Meet: in Raleigh Houses: 2 – NC House of Representatives and NC Senate
Structure of the General Assembly HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SENATE 120 members Members represent the district they are elected from Lower qualifications 2 year terms 50 members Members represent larger districts that they are elected from Higher qualifications 2 year terms Although districts are larger in the NC Senate, the Senate does not hold more power than the House
Your Current NC Representative and Senator JOE TOLSON (DEM) 105 EDGEWOOD DRIVE (252) 827-2749 23rd DISTRICT CLARK JENKINS (DEM) Your Current NC Representative and Senator Joe Tolson (D) NC House of Representatives District 23 Clark Jenkins (D) NC Senate District 3
Organization of General Assembly Also divided into committees for organizational purposes Same seniority and expertise rules apply Has standing, select, and conference committees – no joint committees
Leaders of General Assembly House of Representatives Speaker of the House Senate Lt. Governor is President of the Senate (much more involved that VP is in U.S. Senate but can still only vote in a tie) Has a President Pro Tempore that is used when necessary
Your Current General Assembly Leaders Thom Tillis (R) NC Speaker of the House Dan Forest (R) NC President of the Senate Phil Berger (R) NC President Pro Tempore
Legislative Branch – Local Level Called: City Council Role: establishes policies and makes local laws (ordinances) Meet: at Concord government offices (pink building downtown) Houses: none, only 7 members – they are part time (usually have another job) Serve 4-year terms Appoint the City Manager (council’s chief advisor and “CEO” of city)
Your Current Concord City Council Left to Right: David Phillips, Jim Ramseur, Ella Mae Small, Scott Padgett (mayor) Alfred Brown, Lamar Barrier, Hector Henry, John Sweat