U. S. Government/U. S. Branches/Legislative Branch/General Assembly

The form of government of the Commonwealth of VA is established by the Virginia Constitution.

Legislative, executive, and judicial powers are separated at the state level of government.

The Virginia constitution distributes power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the state government.

The legislative branch is the General Assembly, a bicameral legislature - the House of Delegates and the VA Senate - that meets annually (yearly) for a fixed number of days.

The lawmaking process in the VA General Assembly

1. Introducing a bill
2. Working in committees
3. Debating the bill on the floor of each house
4. Voting on the bill in each house
5. Sending the bill to the governor to sign into law

Elected officials in the VA General Assembly write laws and take action in response to problems and issues.

Individuals and interest groups shape legislature.

The primary issues in the legislative process at the state level

1. Education: To promote an informed and engaged citizenry (i.e., establish minimum standards for local schools)
2. Public Health: To promote and protect the health of its citizens (i.e., fund health benefits)
3. Environment: To protect natural resources (i.e., improve water quality)
4. State budget: To approve a biennial (Two year) budget PREPARED by the governor
5. Revenue: To levy and collect taxes