7. Iscivics on
oreplay? and contrast
Compare
the legislative branch
of the national govt
with what you know
about VA’s legislative
branch.
8. Do-Now + Transition Activity
Announcements + Review + HW Check
VA Legislative Branch
o Notes
o It’s a BILL or just JOSHin’ you
o Recent bills in the GA
Take-Home Point
10. The legislative branch is
the General Assembly, a
bicameral legislature – the
House of Delegates and
the Virginia Senate – that
meets annually for a fixed
number of days
The General Assembly is
charged with making the
laws of the state, approving “General” Assembly? I
the budget, and electing guess we couldn’t agree
Virginia court judges. on calling ourselves either
Awesome or Stellar
Assembly .
11. Right now, there are Pretty
100 members. sweet
Annual salary-
part-time
$17,640 gig!
Term length- 2 years
Qualifications:
o 1) at least 21 years old
o 2) lives in same district
as he/she represents
o 3) is qualified to vote
12. Right now, there are Become a
Senator! You
40 members. get to smile
awkwardly
Annual salary-
all the
$18,000 time, like I
am now!
Term length- 4 years
Qualifications:
o 1) at least 21 years old
o 2) lives same district as
he/she represents
o 3) is qualified to vote
14. The General Assembly meets
annually, beginning on the second Wednesday
in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years
and for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an
option to extend the annual session for a
maximum of 30 days.
15. Basicallythe same
steps as last time:
o Introducing a bill
o Working in committees
o Debating the bill on the
floor of each house
o Voting on the bill in
each house
o Sending the bill to the
governor to sign into
law
16. Elected officials in the
Virginia General
Assembly write laws
and take action in
response to problems
or issues
Individuals and interest
groups help shape
legislation
17. Education
o Why it’s a big issue- to promote an informed and
engaged population
o Example-by establishing minimum standards for local
schools
Public health
o Why- to promote and protect the health of its citizens
o Example- by funding health benefits
Environment
o Why- to protect natural resources
o Example- by improving water quality in the
Chesapeake Bay
18. State budget
o Why- to approve a biennial (two year) budget
prepared by the governor
Revenue
o Why- to levy and collect taxes
27. Virginia
judges are appointed by the
governor.
28. From dumblaws.com:
o Police radar detectors are illegal.
o It is illegal to tickle women.
o No animal may be hunted for on Sunday with the exception of
raccoons, which may be hunted until 2:00 AM.
Local laws in VA:
o In Prince William County, no person may keep a skunk as a pet.
o In Norfolk, spitting on a sea gull is not tolerated.
o In Culpeper, no one may wash a mule on the sidewalk.
In South Dakota, it is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in
a cheese factory.
In Nebraska, it is illegal for bar owners to sell beer
unless they are simultaneously brewing a kettle of soup.
29. HB1407
Punishment for underage drinking and driving; penalty.
Provides that "zero tolerance" (0.02% BAC) underage
drinking and driving is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Currently, the punishment is loss of license for six months and
a fine of no more than $500. This bill provides that the
punishment must include forfeiture of such person's license to
operate a motor vehicle for a period of one year from the date
of conviction and either a mandatory minimum fine of $500 or
50 hours of community service.
HISTORY
02/22/11 House: Signed by Speaker
02/23/11 Senate: Signed by President
03/26/11 Governor: Approved by Governor
30.
Looking at recent bills in the General Assembly
31. Iscivics on
oreplay? and contrast
Compare
the legislative branch
of the national govt
with what you know
about VA’s legislative
branch.