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

2. Organization

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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 

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

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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)

12. 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