Virginia State Government By Mr. Lin Image Courtesy of

Virginia’s State Government Like all state governments, Virginia’s government MUST be loyal to the United States of America. However, any power that is not given to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution is governed by the state government. –One example is education

This explains why... A girl from Utah might learn different things in fifth grade from... Kids in Virginia, who might learn different things in fifth grade from... Kids in Pennsylvania.

So How is the Virginia State Government Organized? Virginia’s state government is divided into three branches Surprise, surprise! –Legislative: To propose and vote on laws –Executive: To enforce laws –Judicial: To interpret laws and explain what they mean. Image Courtesy of commons/thumb/9/91/275px- Richmond_Virginia_Capitol.jpg

Virginia’s Legislative Branch Just like the U.S. Congress, Virginia’s legislative branch (General Assembly) is divided into two houses: –Senate: 40 members Senator must be at least 21 years old and live in his or her district. 4 year terms –House of Delegates: 100 members Delegate must be at least 21 years old and live in his or her district. 2 year terms Image courtesy of sn/va_state_capitol1.jpg

Virginia State Capitol

General Assembly Together, the State Senate and the House of Delegates is called the General Assembly. –Laws first debated and passed in the House of Delegates. –Then state laws must be debated and passed in the State Senate. Image Courtesy of 5/ns-budget-jasonamarhadji.gif

Executive Branch The executive branch does the following: –Prepares the state’s budget. –Send a bill back to the General Assembly to be fixed. –Approves or vetos new laws. –Ensures that state laws are enforced. Image Courtesy of Now-small.jpg

Executive Branch: Governor Governor: Head of the executive branch. –Elected by the people of Virginia. –Must be at least 30 years old. –4 year term Image Courtesy of G