VIRGINIA STATE GOVERNMENT VS 10 a BRANCHES The

VIRGINIA STATE GOVERNMENT VS. 10 a

BRANCHES The Virginia State Government is made up of three parts – we call them “branches”. Each branch has a different job and purpose. These three branches of state government make sure that Virginia laws agree with the state constitution.

QUESTIONS How many “branches” make up the Virginia State Government? § Three What is the purpose of each of these branches? § To make sure that Virginia laws agree with the state constitution

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH The General Assembly is the group of people that make up the legislative branch of Virginia’s government. Their job is to make state laws. It is divided into two parts: the Senate and the House of Delegates. The presiding officer is the Speaker. The Senate has 40 members called senators and the presiding officer is the Lieutenant Governor. Senators are elected to serve for four years. The House of Delegates has 100 members called delegates who are elected to serve for two years.

QUESTIONS What is the group that makes up the legislative branch of Virginia’s government? § The General Assembly What does this branch of government do? § makes state laws What are the two parts of the legislative branch? § the Senate and the House of Delegates.

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH The governor heads the executive branch of the state government and makes sure that state laws are carried out. The governor also is responsible for signing all new laws. He or she is elected for a four-year term. If at any time the Governor cannot serve, the Lieutenant Governor takes the place of the Governor. Present Governor: Governor Ralph Northam Present Lieutenant Governor: Justin Fairfax Governor Ralph Northam Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax

QUESTIONS Who heads the executive branch of the Virginia State government? § The governor What does the executive branch do? § makes sure that state laws are carried out

JUDICIAL BRANCH The judicial branch is Virginia’s court system. The courts decide cases about people who are accused of breaking the law. They also decide whether or not a law agrees with Virginia’s constitution. The highest officials in the judicial branch include justices and judges.

QUESTIONS What is the judicial branch of Virginia? § Virginia’s court system What do the courts decide? § They decide cases about people accused of breaking the law and they decide whether or not a law agrees with Virginia’s constitution