1. Lawmaking Process in Virginia Page 27 PUPIL: Teacher, would you punish me for something I didn't do? TEACHER: Of course not. PUPIL: Good, because I didn't do my homework.

2. Standard CE.7c Essential Understandings: Members of the Virginia General Assembly are elected to make state laws. All citizens can learn the importance of the individual’s participation in the policymaking process through direct participation and simulations. Essential Questions: which branch of the Virginia state government has the power to pass laws? How does the Virginia Assembly make laws? Vocabulary: Virginia General Assembly

4. Which branch of government can declare a law or act to be unconstitutional?

5. Name the two houses of our bicameral national legislative branch.

6. Which fundamental political principle goes with this illustration?

7. Which early American document established the current structure of the U.S. government?

8. Which powers of Congress are specifically written down in the Constitution?

9. Which branch of government officially declares war?

10. Which executive role is President Obama wearing in this photo?

11. Where in the U.S. Constitution do we find the separation of powers listed?

12. In which early American document were the states given most of the power?

13. What is the name of the annual speech given by the President?

14. On the scrap paper, number from 1 – 10. Do not put your name on this!

15. After each description, put either an “L”, and “E”, or a “J”.

16. 1) Exercises the power of judicial review.

17. 2) Confirms appointments

18. 3) Raises revenue through taxes

19. 4) The President of the United States

20. 5) Declares war

21. 6) commander- in-chief of armed forces

22. 7) Declares acts and laws unconstitutional

23. 8) Vetoes legislation

24. 9) Overrides vetoes

25. 10) Writes laws

26. . Elected officials write laws and take action in response to problems or issues Members of the Virginia General Assembly are elected to make laws. Elected officials write laws and take action in response to problems or issues. Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation.

27. Lawmaking Process in VA General Assembly Proposing a bill

28. Lawmaking Process in VA General Assembly Proposing a bill Working in committees

29. Lawmaking Process in VA General Assembly Proposing a bill Working in committees Debating on the floor

30. Lawmaking Process in VA General Assembly Proposing a bill Working in committees Debating on the floor Voting on a bill by both houses

31. Lawmaking Process in VA General Assembly Proposing a bill Working in committees Debating on the floor Voting on a bill by both houses Signing the bill into law by the Governor How does this compare to the way the U.S. Congress makes laws????

32. Primary issues in the legislative process at the state level concern:

33. To promote an informed and engaged citizen (i.e. establish minimum standards for local schools) Note: the Standards of Learning (SOL) were directed and approved by the General Assembly.

34. To promote and protect the health of its citizens (i.e., fund health benefits)

35. To protect natural resources (i.e., improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay)

36. To approve a biennial (two year) budget prepared by the Governor

37. To levy and collect taxes

38. On the left-hand side of your notebook, draw an outline of the state of Virginia. Inside the sketch, list at least 5 specific issues that our state government is concerned with.