State and Local Policy State Local Legislative Branches

State and Local Policy

State & Local Legislative Branches Unit 3: Legislative Branch

State Legislatures • Every state also has a 3 -branch government, including a legislature • Based on state constitutions • Very similar format and duties as national legislature • HOWEVER: federal laws are always supreme

• All states have bicameral legislatures except Nebraska • “upper house” = senate; “lower house” varies in name • Size of legislatures vary • Most senate terms are 4 years and “lower house” is 2 years

• Lieutenant governors are often tie-breakers in the Senate • “lower house” always has a Speaker of the House • Most hold annual sessions; governor can call special sessions

• • Legal qualifications include residency and age stipulations Paid much less than at national level ($25, 000 -> $174, 000) Increasing diversity in membership Election process is the same

• Iowa 87 th General Assembly • Upper house Iowa Senate • (50 members) • (1 =61, 000 people) • Lower Iowa House of Representatives • (100 members) • (1= 30, 500 people)

• State legislatures pass bills in generally the same way a the federal Congress does • Bills must be introduced by legislator • Use of committees and many staff members

Local Legislatures • The main types of local government: • • • Counties Cities & Municipalities Townships Special Districts Tribal Governments

• Counties: largest political subdivisions of a state • County Board of Supervisors

• Cities and Municipalities • Powers are determined by charters (local constitutions) • City councils • Ordinances: laws at the local level

• Township: unit of local government found in some states; subdivisions of a county • Older early. American history • Town meetings

• Special Districts: units of local government that deal with a specific function • School Districts

• Tribal Governments: Separate level of government for Native American populations • 500+ tribes in U. S.