1. GO #12
State Government
Which
distribute
power
among
The
_government
of
the
The
Virginia
Commonwealth
of
Virginia_
_Constitution__
Legisla:ve
Execu:ve Judicial
establishes
The Virginia Legislative branch is known as the
_General Assembly_
It is a __bicameral_ legislature that consists of the
_Senate_ and _House of Delegates_.
It meets annually for a fixed number of days.
The elected officials write laws and take action in
response to _problems or issues_.
The Law Making Process in the Virginia General Assembly
_Individuals
Intro-­‐ Working
in
Debating
Voting
Sending
_and
ducing
committees
the
bill
on
the
the
bill
_Interest
a
bill
on
the
bill
in
to
the
groups___
floor
of
each
governor
help shape
each
house
to
sign
legislation.
house
into
law
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)
• 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____.

2. • Supreme Court
• Court of Appeals
The Judicial Branch is exercised
by a court system that consists of • Circuit Court
four levels of courts
• District courts (including small claims
courts and juvenile and domestic relations
court
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.
These powers exercised by the governor are granted by the _Virginia Constitution_.
Cabinet secretaries • administer laws
and departments, • enforce laws
agencies,
• regulate aspects of business and the economy
commissions, and
regulatory boards. • provide services
In carrying out the • chief of state
formal and informal • chief legislator
powers of the office,
• chief administrator
the governor fills
several roles, • party chief
including • commander-in-chief