Section 13.2: The State Legislative Branch Section

Makeup of State Legislatures Most every state has a bicameral (two house) legislature which includes the Senate (40 in FL), and the House of Representatives (120 in FL). Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral (one house) legislature.

Makeup of State Legislatures Usually, like in Florida - state senators have four-year terms and representatives have two-year terms.

Legislatures Function How State Legislatures Function State legislatures main job is to make laws which are called statutes. The Speaker of the House directs business in the house of representatives In some states, the Lieutenant Governor works with the senate. In Florida, our  Senate President directs the state senate.

Legislatures Function How State Legislatures Function Ideas for bills come from the governor, the executive branch, interest groups, individuals, and the legislatures themselves. Those ideas have to be introduced by a member of the Legislature.

Legislatures Function How State Legislatures Function State legislatures have various committees similar to Congress to study bills, hold hearings, and change bills if necessary. Both houses of the state legislature must vote to approve a bill Once approved, the Governor must sign it before it becomes a law.

Legislative Apportionment In most states, legislatures draw boundary lines for each election district. Both houses of state legislatures must be apportioned (divided) into districts based on equal population. Senate – represents approximately 470,000 people each House of Rep – represents about 120,000 people each

The State Executive Branch Section 13.3: The State Executive Branch

Office of Governor Every state government has an Executive Branch led by a Governor (Chief Executive).

Office of Governor The State Constitution identifies the qualifications for their governor. In most states (like in Florida), a governor (and Lt. Gov) must be… 1. An American citizen 2. At least 30 years old 3. Reside in the state for at least 7 years.

Office of Governor The governor is directly elected by the voters of their state. Most governors serve four-year terms and are elected during Midterm elections. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Powers and Duties of the Governor 1. Carrying out state laws 2. Proposing new laws 3. Preparing the state budget 4. Power to veto bills the state legislature has passed. Rent is too high

Powers and Duties of the Governor Roles similar to the U.S. President: Chief Executive of the State Commander in Chief of the National Guard State Party Leader Ceremonial Leader of the State Chief State Legislature In charge of State Judicial Appointments Give a “State of the State Address”

Executive Departments The governor appoints leaders of some executive departments, who advise them on important issues. (Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer etc.) Florida’s cabinet officials are elected to office. They hold equal power with the Governor when deciding issues under the Cabinet’s Control: They are: Chief Financial Officer Commissioner of Agriculture Attorney General Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi

Section 13.4: The State Judicial Branch

Lower State Courts Most legal matters that arise within a state fall under the state court system. Most states have a three-tiered system similar to the federal court system.

Florida Court System Florida has a four-tiered court system. The lowest courts in Florida is the County Courts, if appealed cases move up a level to the Circuit Courts, the next level of appeals is the District Courts of Appeal, and the highest court is Florida Supreme Court. FL Supreme Court District Courts of Appeal Circuit Courts County Courts

Courts of Last Resort Intermediate Courts of Appeals Courts of Limited Jurisdiction Courts of General Jurisdiction Courts of Limited Jurisdiction

County Courts “Lower Florida Courts” The county courts are sometimes referred to as the "people's courts." A large amount of the courts work involves voluminous citizen disputes such as traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and disputes over money

Florida Circuit Courts “Upper Lower Florida Courts” The Circuit courts are sometimes referred to as courts of general jurisdiction in recognition of the fact most criminal (felonies) and civil cases (over $15,000) originate at this second tier level of the Florida courts. 

General Trial Courts General trial courts (aka Circuit Courts) hear cases where defendants are accused of felonies such as murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and other major crimes.

District Courts of Appeal “Middle Courts – Courts of Review” The Florida Constitution says that the Legislature will divide the state into appellate court districts and that there shall be a district court that serves each district. There are five appellate districts that in Florida: Tallahassee, Lakeland, Miami, West Palm Beach and Daytona Beach. Their main responsibility is to hear appeals (review decisions) from lower courts.

State Supreme Court The Florida State Supreme Court is the highest court in our state. It reviews decisions of appeals courts and is responsible for supervising all courts in the state.

State Supreme Court It is also the Florida Supreme Court’s job to interpret the Florida Constitution. State Supreme Courts can have between 5 and 9 justices. Florida has 7 justices. Except for cases involving the federal law or the United States Constitution, the decisions of the State Supreme courts are final.

Florida Supreme Court Justices The Florida Supreme Court Justices serve 6-year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The position of Chief Justice rotates.