North Carolina State Government

Legislative Branch Called the GENERAL ASSEMBLY Made up the State Senate (50 members) and State House of Representatives (120 members) 2 year terms, no term limits

Legislative Branch Leaders: House: Speaker of the House Requirements: - House: 21 Years Old; Senate: 25 Years Old Live in NC (Sen: 2 yrs) Live in District for previous year Registered Voter Leaders: House: Speaker of the House Senate: Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore Current NC Speaker of the House: Thom Tillis Current NC Pres Pro Tempore: Phil Berger

Legislative Branch Powers: Pass Laws (STATUTES) and Levy Taxes Create Local Governments Regulate Trade in the State

Legislative Branch Checks on Executive Branch: Approves the Budget Can impeach the governor/officials Can override vetoes (need 3/5 vote in both houses)

Legislative Branch Checks on Judicial Branch: Can impeach judges Can propose an amendment to the state Constitution

Current NC Governor: Pat McCrory Executive Branch Chief Executive: GOVERNOR Requirements – 30 yrs old, 5-yr US citizen, NC resident (2 yrs) Term length: 4 years Limit: 2 terms Current NC Governor: Pat McCrory

Current NC Lieutenant Governor: Dan Forest Executive Branch Next in Line: LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (elected by the people) - President of NC Senate (votes only if there is a tie) Current NC Lieutenant Governor: Dan Forest

Executive Branch Governor’s Powers/Jobs: Enforce Laws Prepare the state’s budget (must be a balanced budget – no deficit spending!!) “Commander in Chief” of state’s National Guard Give the “State of the State” Address Head of State Ceremonial Duties Appoint officials (approved by NC Senate)

Checks on Legislative Branch: Executive Branch Checks on Legislative Branch: Can suggest new laws Can sign/veto laws LINE-ITEM VETO: Governor can reject certain portions of a bill and keep the rest (more veto power than the President!!)

Executive Branch Checks on Judicial Branch: Grant pardons (forgive) and reprieves (delay) Commute Sentences (lessen the sentence)