Chapter 12.2 The State Legislative Branch

Makeup of Legislatures State lawmaking bodies vary in name and size, but most state call them legislatures. Except for Nebraska’s unicameral, or one-house, legislature, every state has an upper house (the senate) and a lower house (usually the house of representatives). State lawmaking bodies vary in name and size, but most state call them legislatures. Except for Nebraska’s unicameral, or one-house, legislature, every state has an upper house (the senate) and a lower house (usually the house of representatives). Senators usually serve four-year terms; representatives, two-year terms. The house usually has two to four times as many members as the senate. Senators usually serve four-year terms; representatives, two-year terms. The house usually has two to four times as many members as the senate.

continued Members of the legislature generally must be American citizens and live in the district they represent. Usually they must be at least 18 years old. Members of the legislature generally must be American citizens and live in the district they represent. Usually they must be at least 18 years old. Ever-growing responsibilities have made membership in a state legislature a more demanding, year-round job. Ever-growing responsibilities have made membership in a state legislature a more demanding, year-round job.

How State Legislatures Function A speaker of the house directs the house of representatives. A president or lieutenant governor directs the senate. The majority party selects the speaker and the senate president, except in states with a lieutenant governor. A speaker of the house directs the house of representatives. A president or lieutenant governor directs the senate. The majority party selects the speaker and the senate president, except in states with a lieutenant governor. Ideas for bills may come from the governor, the executive branch, individuals or legislators. Ideas for bills may come from the governor, the executive branch, individuals or legislators.

continued Once introduced, bills go to committees. The majority party selects the chairpersons. Once introduced, bills go to committees. The majority party selects the chairpersons. Committees study and may revise bills. They may kill a bill or send it to the full house with a recommendation to pass or reject. Conference committees work out differences between versions passed by each house. A bill becomes law if both houses pass it and the governor signs it. Committees study and may revise bills. They may kill a bill or send it to the full house with a recommendation to pass or reject. Conference committees work out differences between versions passed by each house. A bill becomes law if both houses pass it and the governor signs it.

Legislative Apportionment Every 10 years, when the national census is taken, state legislatures reexamine congressional districts. Every 10 years, when the national census is taken, state legislatures reexamine congressional districts. State legislatures divide the state into a set of districts for senators and a different set for representatives. State legislatures divide the state into a set of districts for senators and a different set for representatives. Senate districts were once based on land area. House districts were apportioned, or divided among districts, based on population. The result was unequal representation. Senate districts were once based on land area. House districts were apportioned, or divided among districts, based on population. The result was unequal representation.

continued In Baker v. Carr, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts can hear suits to force state authorities to redraw electoral districts. Later, in Reynolds v. Sims, the Court held that both chambers of state legislatures must be apportioned by population. In Baker v. Carr, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts can hear suits to force state authorities to redraw electoral districts. Later, in Reynolds v. Sims, the Court held that both chambers of state legislatures must be apportioned by population.

Problems Facing States Americans demand more and better services from their state gov’ts. Americans demand more and better services from their state gov’ts. State gov’ts are finding it difficult to pay for these services. Many legislators refuse to vote to raise taxes because such a vote may reduce their chances for reelection. Also, the federal gov’t has eliminated many grants. State gov’ts are finding it difficult to pay for these services. Many legislators refuse to vote to raise taxes because such a vote may reduce their chances for reelection. Also, the federal gov’t has eliminated many grants.

continued Sate legislators face a difficult choice: Should they cut programs at a time when crime, homelessness and pollution are rising? Or, should they raise taxes and suffer the political consequences? Sate legislators face a difficult choice: Should they cut programs at a time when crime, homelessness and pollution are rising? Or, should they raise taxes and suffer the political consequences?