Missouri Government

History Missouri admitted to Union in 1821 MO’s only President- Harry Truman Capital City- Jefferson City Constitution written-1945

Legislative Branch Known as the General Assembly Legislative sessions last from Jan.-May MO House/Senate districts based on population Boundaries/seats are reapportioned after census

MO Senate Presiding officer: Lt. Governor 34 Members 4-year terms/limit of 2 terms President Pro Tempore-assigns bills to committee Requirements: -30 yrs of age -MO voter 3 yrs -District resident for one year

House of Representatives Presiding Member: Speaker of House 163 members 2-year terms/limit of 4 terms Requirements: -24 years of age -MO voter 2 years -District resident 1 year

Bill Becomes Law Process: 1. Bill introduced-15,000 annually/10-15% pass 2. Committee 3. Hearings-changes made 4. Debate-Filibuster possible in Senate 5. Vote 6. To Governor -Sign -Veto or Line Item Veto-Both houses can override with 2/3 vote -Not sign & 15 days becomes law

Missouri Voting and Election Info. General elections held in Nov. every 2 years -Fill offices Primary elections allow parties to select candidates to run in general elections Voting Requirements: -18 yr. old (can register at 17 ½) -Live in state/district -Registered to vote (Motor Voter Law ’95-allows citizens to register at DMV)

MO Law & Amendment Initiative-voters can place an item on the ballot – Requires signatures on a petition – If passed by the voters it becomes a law without the General Assembly Referendum-law that originates in legislature but then must be put to popular vote – Usual done when the issue is controversial – EX: Cigarette Tax increase last election Voters approve all amendments to MO Constitution with 2/3 vote Recall- voters can petition to have a member of the government removed mid-term…requires a vote

Executive Branch Offices Attorney General- Chief legal officer of state Treasurer-Receives & pays out state $$$$ Auditor-Audits state agencies Sec. of State- Publishes state laws/documents Voters- Elect each of these offices

Governor JAY NIXON Terms: -4 years/2 term limit Qualifications: -30 yrs. old -US citizen 15 yrs. -Live in MO 10 yrs.

Governor’s Basic Powers Judicial Powers: grants pardons, reprieves, and commutations State Commander-in-Chief: National Guard Chief Legislator: suggesting bills, signs/vetoes bills, calls special session of General Assembly Chief Executive: enforces laws Chief Administrator: Line-item veto- strike out a portion of a revenue bill and presents budget to General Assembly Chief of State: ceremonial head of state

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder TERMS: -4 years/2 terms QUALIFICATIONS: -30 years old -U.S. citizen for 15 years -Live in state 10 years Duties: -President of the Senate -Acting Gov. if needed -Breaks tie in Senate -Ombudsman

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan Terms: -4 years/2 terms Qualifications: -25 years old -U.S. Citizen -Live in state 1 year Duties: -Non-financial record keeper -Prepare ballots -Certify elections

Attorney General CHRIS KOSTER Terms: -4 years/2 terms Qualifications: -30 years old -U.S. Citizen -Live in state 1 year Duties: -Chief Legal Officer -Prosecute and defend state cases -Give advisory opinions

Treasurer Clint Zweifel Terms: -4 years/2 terms Qualifications: -25 years old -U.S. Citizen -Live in state 1 year Duties: -Chief financial officer -Care for & invest state funds

State Auditor Susan Montee Terms: -4 years/2 terms Qualifications: -30 years old -U.S. Citizen 15 years -Live in state 10 years Duties: -Check collection & spending of money by state agencies -set up accounting system for state and local government

Order of Succession Governor Lt. Governor President Pro Tempore of Senate Speaker of House Sec. of State

2000 GUBERNATORIAL SUCCESSION OCTOBER, 2000: Governor Mel Carnahan died in a plane crash. NOVEMBER, 2000: Governor Mel Carnahan was on the ballot to become a US Senator and won. NOVEMBER, 2000: Gubernatorial Succession occurred to fill the seat of Governor until the newly elected Governor would be inaugurated in January. JANUARY, 2001: New Governor was inaugurated and the US Senate seat vacancy from Missouri was filled by gubernatorial appointment.

The Judicial Branch MO Supreme Court MO Court of Appeals MO Circuit Court MO Municipal Courts

Missouri Supreme Court Highest court Original & appellate jurisdiction – Usually concerned with determining whether someone got a fair trial. 7 judges 12 year terms Decisions here are final (Unless appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court)

MO Court of Appeals 2 nd highest court Appellate jurisdiction Divided into 3 districts -Eastern District -Western District -Southern District

MO Circuit Courts Circuit-name for regional units into which MO courts are divided. Original jurisdiction-most cases begin here Felonies, misdemeanors, civil cases, juvenile (17)

MO Municipal Courts Original jurisdiction for misdemeanors, violations Small Claims-min. of $3,000 w/o lawyer – Money may be awarded for damages +

How Judges Are Selected Missouri Non-Partisan Plan -SC & Appellate judges nominated by judicial commission -3 nominees given to Gov. to appoint 1 -After serving 1 year, judge must be voted in -In not voted in, process starts over JUDGES MUST RETIRE AT AGE 70