North Carolina’s General North Carolina’s General AssemblyAssembly

Chapter 13.1Chapter 13.1

What is the structure of NC What is the structure of NC GovernmentGovernment

Three Branches with separation of powersThree Branches with separation of powers The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch

Makes lawsMakes laws What is the federal legislature called?What is the federal legislature called?

The Executive Branch The Executive Branch Enforces lawsEnforces laws Who is the federal chief executive?Who is the federal chief executive?

The Judicial Branch The Judicial Branch Interprets lawsInterprets laws Who has the final say on laws?Who has the final say on laws?

NCGA in Raleigh, NCNCGA in Raleigh, NC

N.C. Legislative BranchN.C. Legislative Branch

Called Called NCNC General Assembly (NCGA)General Assembly (NCGA) BicameralBicameral – – two chamberstwo chambers NC House of Representatives (lower)NC House of Representatives (lower) NC Senate (upper)NC Senate (upper)

FACT CHECKFACT CHECK:: Name 4 similarities between Congress Name 4 similarities between Congress

& the General Assembly!& the General Assembly!

How is the General Assembly How is the General Assembly Organized? (Chart at bottom)Organized? (Chart at bottom)

NC House of RepsNC House of Reps 120 Members120 Members Must be:Must be:

21 Years Old21 Years Old US CitizenUS Citizen Live in District 1 yr,Live in District 1 yr,

Leadership:Leadership: Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the House

NC SenateNC Senate 50 Members50 Members Must be:Must be:

25 Years Old25 Years Old US CitizenUS Citizen Live in NC 2 yearsLive in NC 2 years Live in District 1 yr.Live in District 1 yr.

Leadership:Leadership: Lieutenant GovernorLieutenant Governor President Pro-TemporePresident Pro-Tempore

Powers of the General Assembly Powers of the General Assembly (#1-2)(#1-2)

Statutes: pass laws that apply to entire Statutes: pass laws that apply to entire statestate

Legislative Oversight: determine how well Legislative Oversight: determine how well laws are workinglaws are working

Impeachment: charge & remove state Impeachment: charge & remove state officialsofficials

Levy taxesLevy taxes Approve the governor’s budgetApprove the governor’s budget Override vetoOverride veto Propose Constitutional AmendmentsPropose Constitutional Amendments

More facts about the NCGA (#5)More facts about the NCGA (#5)

Baker v. Carr (1962) ruled that all Baker v. Carr (1962) ruled that all seats in state legislatures must be seats in state legislatures must be apportioned by populationapportioned by population

Wesberry v. Saunders (1963) Wesberry v. Saunders (1963) ruled that all districts must have ruled that all districts must have approximately the same numbers.approximately the same numbers.

NC House DistrictsNC House DistrictsHere We Here We

AreAre

Bob Steinburg

NC Senate DistrictsNC Senate DistrictsHere We Here We

AreAre

Bill Cook

Problems Facing NCGAProblems Facing NCGACompetition for seatsCompetition for seats

Part-time pay, full-time job ($13,981)Part-time pay, full-time job ($13,981) Retired, wealthy membersRetired, wealthy members

Budget ShortfallsBudget Shortfalls Must balance budgetMust balance budget Choice: Raise taxes or cut spendingChoice: Raise taxes or cut spending

Scope of government growing:Scope of government growing: More people, more problems, less $More people, more problems, less $

Sources of RevenueSources of Revenue Income taxes: Largest source of $Income taxes: Largest source of $ Sales taxes: 2Sales taxes: 2ndnd largest source of $ largest source of $ Corporate taxes: Tax on biz profitsCorporate taxes: Tax on biz profits Excise/“Sin” taxes: Alcohol, tobaccoExcise/“Sin” taxes: Alcohol, tobacco Estate/inheritance tax: Over $650KEstate/inheritance tax: Over $650K Licenses: Driver’s, Marriage, HuntingLicenses: Driver’s, Marriage, Hunting Lottery: Portion of $ benefits schoolsLottery: Portion of $ benefits schools

Sources of Revenue by TypeSources of Revenue by Type

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

Income Sales Excise Corporate Licensing

Type of Revenue

The NC LotteryThe NC Lottery

Passed in a very controversial mannerPassed in a very controversial manner Sold as an “educational” lotterySold as an “educational” lottery Never put to the votersNever put to the voters Has had some success as economy Has had some success as economy

sourssours

The NC LotteryThe NC Lottery

ProsPros Revenue sourceRevenue source Voluntary “tax”Voluntary “tax” EntertainmentEntertainment Chance of Chance of

winningwinning

ConsCons Unreliable revenue Unreliable revenue

sourcesource ““Tax” on poorTax” on poor CorruptionCorruption ImmoralImmoral

EXIT: What do you feel is the most EXIT: What do you feel is the most compelling argument for compelling argument for each sideeach side? Why? ? Why? Which side do you agree with more? Why?Which side do you agree with more? Why?