1. State and Local Legislative Branch Maryland General Assembly PG County Council

2. The Maryland General Assembly The General Assembly Bicameral: Senate + House of Delegates One senator & three delegates are elected from each of the 47 districts 188 members Senators Live in the state of MD for 1 year Be 25 years old Serve 4 year terms Delegates: Live in district elected from Be 21 years old After every census: redistricting Set up same as U.S. Congress (Speaker of the House and President of the Senate)

4. Powers of the General Assembly 90 day sessions beginning in January The 436th Session begins January 13, 2016 and adjourns April 11, 2016 Deal with State laws; proposes amendments to State constitution House of Delegates: power to impeach Senate: conducts trial of impeachment Senate: confirms appointments made by Governor

5. The Role of the State Government Taxation Sales, property, income, fees, gaming Roads and transportation Funding local agencies Education Capital Improvements

6. Prince George’s County – Legislative Branch County Council County Council: Legislative powers go to the County Council. Also represent the District Council (zoning and land use matters) and the Board of Health (health policy matters). Meets at 10:00 a.m. every Tuesday in the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.

7. Local Government Deliver services Police, fire, schools Limited ability to raise funds Property, income General Assembly must approve other sources

8. No man’s life liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session

9. State Issues – What are the competing interests?