1. The Legislative Branch

2. Relevant Standards of Learning CE.6 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the American constitutional government at the national level by a) describing the structure and powers of the national government c) explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process CE.7The student will demonstrate knowledge of the American constitutional government at the state level by a) describing the structure and powers of the state government c) explaining and/or simulating the lawmaking process

3. Student objectives Explain the structure and powers of the local, state and national governments. (CE.6a, CE.7a) Explain the lawmaking process at the local, state, and national governments. (CE.6c, CE.7c, CE.8c)

4. What document defines the powers of government? The Constitution of the United States of America

5. What does “bicameral” mean? A legislative body consisting of two houses

6. Name two legislative bodies that are bicameral. 1.United States Congress 2.Virginia General Assembly

7. What is the structure of the United States Congress? Senate – 100 members (2 from each state) House of Representatives – 435 members (based on population) *Virginia has 11 Congressional districts

8. What are the qualifications and length of term for the House of Representatives? Must be at least 25 years of age, a U. S. citizen for at least, and a resident of the state 2-year term: The entire House is elected every 2 years

9. What are the qualifications and length of term for the U. S. Senate? Must be at least 30 years of age, a U. S. citizen for at least 9 years, and a resident of the state 6-year term: One third of the Senate is elected every 2 years

10. What are the basic functions of the United States Congress? 1.Make national laws 2.Approve the annual U. S. budget 3.Confirm presidential appointments 4.Raise revenue through taxes and levies 5.Regulate interstate and foreign trade 6.Declare war

11. What is the structure of the Virginia General Assembly? Virginia Senate – 40 members *Marion is in Senate district 40 House of Delegates – 100 members *Marion is in House district 5

12. What are the qualifications for the Virginia General Assembly? Must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of the district being represented

13. What are term lengths for the Virginia General Assembly? House of Delegates2 years Virginia Senate4 years

14. What are some of the influences on legislation and public policy? 1.Individual citizens 2.Interest groups 3.Lobbyists 4.Businesses 5.The media

15. List and describe the primary issues in the Virginia General Assembly?

16. Primary Issues EducationTo promote an informed and engaged citizenry and establish minimum standards for local schools

17. Primary Issues Public healthTo promote and protect the health of citizens

18. Primary Issues EnvironmentTo protect natural resources

19. Primary Issues State budgetTo approve a biennial (two-year) budget prepared by the governor

20. Primary Issues RevenueTo levy and collect taxes

21. Describe the basic steps in the lawmaking process. 1.Introducing a bill 2.Working in committees 3.Debating on the floor of each house 4.Voting on a bill by both houses 5.Signing the bill into law by the president or governor

22. What are local laws called? ordinances

23. Who creates local laws in Virginia? 1.County Board of Supervisors 2.City Council 3.Town Council

24. How many members are there in the United States Congress? 535

25. What is pictured here?

26. The Library of Congress

27. Maria is a 26-year-old who became a citizen when her parents were naturalized 20 years ago. She wants to run for election to the U. S. Senate. Is she eligible? No, you must be at least 30 years of age.

28. Name two bicameral legislatures. U. S. Congress Virginia General Assembly

29. What Virginia Senate district is Marion in?

31. What total do you get if you add the following numbers? ~ length of term for a U. S. Senator ~ total number of Va. Delegates ~ Virginia representatives to Congress ~ minimum age for General Assembly

33. How does a conference committee participate in the lawmaking process? Members from each house of the legislature come together to come up with a compromise bill when different versions of the same bill have passed both houses. A bill must pass both houses in an identical form in order to go to the executive for signature into law.

34. Both houses of the Virginia General Assembly have voted to pass a bill to require Virginia residents to pay an extra 1% sales tax. What is the name of the person who would sign this into law?

36. What is the best way to pass a test?

37. Study!

38. Complete an A to Z sheet and turn it in for 5 bonus points on the test!