Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik CE 6b, 7a, 7b Virginia Government Mr. Collins and Mrs. Kozlik CE 6b, 7a, 7b

Organization

Executive Branch Executes the laws of Virginia Prepares biennial budget for General Assembly (every 2 years) Appoints cabinet officers and boards Administers state bureaucracy Grants pardons

Executive Branch The executive power is exercised by the governor, who is elected for a four-year term of office. The governor appoints members of the cabinet, who oversee specific functions of government.  The lieutenant governor and the attorney general are executive branch officers who are elected for a four-year term of office.

The Governor The governor of Virginia exercises the formal powers granted by the Virginia Constitution.  In carrying out both the formal and informal powers of the office, the governor fills several roles, including chief of state chief legislator chief administrator party chief commander-in-chief 

Powers continued Cabinet secretaries and departments, agencies, commissions, and regulatory boards administer laws enforce laws regulate aspects of business and the economy provide services.

Ways the Executive Branch influences Policymaking Governor can propose legislation in annual State of the Commonwealth address Appeal directly to the people Approve or veto legislation Appointing officials who carry out the laws

Legislative Branch Bicameral (2 house) Legislature called the General Assembly House of Delegates (100 delegates) Senate (40 senators)

Legislative Branch Makes laws for Virginia Approves the biennial budget Exercises power under the 10th amendment (states reserved powers)

Lawmaking Process in the General Assembly Work in committees Debate on the floor Both houses vote on the bill Governor signs or vetoes bill

Job of the General Assembly The primary issues in the legislative process at the state level Education: To promote an informed and engaged citizenry (i.e., establish minimum standards for local schools) Public health: To promote and protect the health of its citizens (i.e., fund health benefits)

continued Environment: To protect natural resources (i.e., improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay) State budget: To approve a biennial (two year) budget prepared by the governor Revenue: To levy and collect taxes