Legislative Branch

Georgia Studies

What is the legislative branch of Georgia's government called?

A.) Congress

B.) General Assembly

C.) House of Commons

D.) Unicameral

What is the primary function of the legislative branch of government?

A.) Enforcing laws

B.) Carrying out laws

C.) Making laws

Qualifications of Legislators

Senators Must be at least 25 Live in district they represent Legal residents of GA for at least two years

Representatives Must be at least 21 Live in district they represent Legal residents of GA for at least two years

Terms and Elections

Elected in even number years during general elections

Senators Serve two years

Representatives Serve two years

Duties

GA meetings begin on 2nd Monday of January each year for their regular session

Session usually lasts for two months or less For rest of their two year terms they meet in

special sessions and committees Most important duty is making laws and

passing budget (proposed by governor) Can change constitution (amend) with a 2/3’s

vote in GA

Organization of General Assembly

Most work takes place in committees Each house has a majority and a minority

power Majority party is the political party with the most

members in the house Minority party has the fewest members

Leaders of committees tend to represent the majority party

Senate (56)

Lieutenant governor is the president of the Senate (leader of Senate)

The other leader in the Senate is the president pro tempore (leader of the Senate majority party)

There is also a majority and minority leader for each party

There are 26 committees in the Senate (each Senator is on at least three committees)

House of Representatives (180)

There are 36 regular committees in the House of Representatives (most members serve on 2 to 3)

Majority party tends to control the House because there are two leaders from majority Speaker of the House Majority Leader

Minority leader is leader of minority party in the house

Floor leader usually represents the party of the governor

Leaders try to get the interests and ideas of their party heard

The Legislative Process

See “How a Bill Becomes a Law” handout1. Drafting – written by legislators2. Introduction – By senator or representative to

house in which they serve3. Committee Consideration – studied and changes

or improvements are considered (other officials, bill’s author, lobbyists or public may comment)

4. Floor Consideration – Proposed before each house for a vote

5. Governor consideration – either signed into law or vetoed (If no action taken, the bill becomes a law)

In order the run for state senate in Georgia, what is the minimum age?

A.) 35

B.) 30

C.) 21

D.) 25

What is the primary function of the legislative branch of government?

A.) Carry out the laws

B.) Interpret the laws

C.) Make the laws

D.) Enforce the laws

What is the legislative branch of Georgia's government called?

A.) House of Commons

B.) Congress

C.) General Assembly

D.) Unicameral

How long is the term for a senator or respresentative in the GA General Assembly?

A.) 4 years

B.) 1 year

C.) 6 years

D.) 2 years

Which of the following is a requirement of someone who wants to run for the General Assembly?

A.) Must have lived in Georgia for a minimum of 10 yearsB.) Must be a resident of the district they choose to representC.) Must have a minimum of 5 years prior government experienceD.) Must be a resident of a North American province

What is the correct sequence for a bill to become a law?1. The bill is assigned to a committee.2. Copies of bills are given to the legislator.3. The governor may sign the bill.4. The bill is sent to full chamber.

A.) 2-1-4-3

B.) 1-2-4-3

C.) 2-4-1-3

D.) 4-2-1-3

The main purpose of a legislative committee is to

A.) review bills before they come to the floor for discussion.B.) draft bills that have the best chance to become law.C.) propose bills to be considered by the full chamber.D.) decide which bills to send to the governor.

What are the two parts of Georgia's legislative branch?

A.) governor and General Assembly

B.) secretary of state and senate

C.) senate and house of representatives

D.) supreme court and governor

Who presides over the Georgia House of Representatives?

A.) The Lieutenant Governor

B.) The Speaker of the House

C.) The majority party leader

D.) The minority party leader

Who presides over the Georgia State Senate?

A.) The majority party leader

B.) The Speaker of the House

C.) The Lieutenant Governor

D.) The minority party leader