Chapter 24 Section 2

 Legislature is the lawmaking branch of State gov.  The heart of the democratic gov.  Legislature is responsible for translating the public will into the State’s public policy.  No ideal size for a legislature  Should not be too large as to hamper the orderly conduct of the people’s business.  Should not be so small that the many views and interests within the State cannot be represented adequately.

 Qualifications  Every state’s constitution sets out formal requirements of age, citizenship, and residence  Informal qualifications are harder to meet  Vote-getting ability  Occupation  Name recognition  Party identification  Race  Religion  National origin

 Election  Are chosen by popular vote  Nominated at party conventions  In most states elections are held in Nov on even numbered years  Terms  Serve either 2 or 4 year terms  Rate of turnover is very high  Compensation  Capable men & women don’t run b/c of the lack of compensation  Usually less than 30,000 per year

 Legislative Sessions  43 state legislatures hold annual sessions  Governors can call special sessions to allow the lawmaking body to take up urgent matters between scheduled meetings.

 Legislative Powers  Can enact any law that does not conflict w/ any federal law or any provision in the State’s constitution.  Processes the police power – the power to protect and promote the public health, public safety, public morals, & the general welfare.  Nonlegislative Powers  Executive powers – the approval of the governor’s appointment of certain officials  Judicial powers – are capped by the power of impeachment  Constituent powers – refers to constitution making and constitutional amendment process

 State legislatures are organized in much the same manner as Congress.  They have presiding officers and a committee system.

 Bills  Direct Legislation