1. North Carolina
State Government

2. Legislative Branch Called the GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Made up the State Senate (50 members) and State House of Representatives (120 members)
2 year terms, no term limits

3. Legislative Branch Leaders: House: Speaker of the House
Requirements:
- House: 21 Years Old; Senate: 25 Years Old
Live in NC (Sen: 2 yrs)
Live in District for previous year
Registered Voter
Leaders:
House: Speaker of the House
Senate: Lieutenant Governor and President Pro Tempore
Current NC Speaker of the House: Thom Tillis
Current NC Pres Pro Tempore: Phil Berger

4. Legislative Branch Powers: Pass Laws (STATUTES) and Levy Taxes
Create Local Governments
Regulate Trade in the State

5. Legislative Branch Checks on Executive Branch: Approves the Budget
Can impeach the governor/officials
Can override vetoes (need 3/5 vote in both houses)

6. Legislative Branch Checks on Judicial Branch: Can impeach judges
Can propose an amendment to the state Constitution

7. Current NC Governor: Pat McCrory
Executive Branch
Chief Executive:
GOVERNOR
Requirements – 30 yrs old, 5-yr US citizen, NC resident (2 yrs)
Term length: 4 years Limit: 2 terms
Current NC Governor: Pat McCrory

8. Current NC Lieutenant Governor: Dan Forest
Executive Branch
Next in Line:
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
(elected by the people)
- President of NC Senate (votes only if there is a tie)
Current NC Lieutenant Governor: Dan Forest

9. Executive Branch Governor’s Powers/Jobs: Enforce Laws
Prepare the state’s budget (must be a balanced budget – no deficit spending!!)
“Commander in Chief” of state’s National Guard
Give the “State of the State” Address
Head of State Ceremonial Duties
Appoint officials (approved by NC Senate)

10. Checks on Legislative Branch:
Executive Branch
Checks on Legislative Branch:
Can suggest new laws
Can sign/veto laws
LINE-ITEM VETO: Governor can reject certain portions of a bill and keep the rest (more veto power than the President!!)

11. Executive Branch Checks on Judicial Branch:
Grant pardons (forgive) and reprieves (delay)
Commute Sentences (lessen the sentence)