Unit 8: Lesson 2- The Legislative Branch of Georgia Government ESSENTIAL QUESTION: How do the desires of citizens to be secure and free develop into actions by members of the General Assembly?

Legislative Branch law-making body in Georgia officially known as Georgia General Assembly bicameral (two-houses): House of Representatives and Senate only House can write spending bills; Senate confirms appointments made by the governor

Members of the General Assembly 180 members of House of Representatives 56 members of the Senate Elected by popular vote within their District Two year term and no limit on consecutive terms Qualifications citizen of US and Georgia at least 2 years legal resident of district at least 1 year Senators: at least 25 years old Representatives: at least 21 years old

Legislative Sessions 40-day session, January – March members of house of representatives elect Speaker of the House Lieutenant Governor presides over senate but has no vote Speaker can vote if there is a tie

Committees organized like Congress in committees and subcommittees bills may start in House or Senate standing committees: permanent part of the General Assembly interim committee: works on assigned special tasks conference committee: works out agreements between house and senate on bills joint committee: has members of House and Senate to work on assigned topic or issue members serve on several committees

Types of Legislation can pass laws, amend (change) them, or do away with them some law topics: taxes education property criminal matters and punishments public health regulation of businesses & professions

How a Bill Becomes a Law any senator or representative can propose a bill bills related to spending must begin in the House same version of the bill must pass House and Senate compromise bill may come from conference committee governor can sign or veto the bill if it passes both the House and Senate

How a Bill Becomes a Law **MAKE SURE YOU WRITE THIS DOWN!!! Drafting – Legislators write the text of the bill (proposed law). Introduction – The bill is introduced to either the Senate or House of Representatives for discussion. Committee Consideration – The bill is assigned to a committee that studies the bill. The bill may be changed at this time. Floor Consideration – A vote is called during a regular session. If the bill is passed in one house, it goes to the other house for consideration. Governor Consideration – Once both houses pass the bill it is sent to the governor. The governor can then sign the bill into law or veto the bill (send it back to the General Assembly to be changed or rewritten). **MAKE SURE YOU WRITE THIS DOWN!!!

Reapportionment Occurs every 10 years following the census legislature must redraw the voting districts to make them have the equal numbers of people 2001: districts drawn by Democratic legislature ruled unconstitutional 2004: revisions made to district map Click to return to Table of Contents.