Michigan Constitution Article IV - LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Here is a summary of Article IV – Legislative Branch of the Michigan Constitution:
Michigan Constitution – Article IV: Legislative Branch
Purpose:
Article IV outlines the structure, powers, and procedures of Michigan’s Legislative Branch, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Key Sections and Provisions:
1. Legislative Power
The legislative power is vested in a bicameral legislature: Senate and House of Representatives.
2. Senate and House Composition
Senate: 38 members
House: 110 members
Districts are drawn based on population, as nearly equal as possible.
3. Terms and Elections
Senators: 4-year terms
Representatives: 2-year terms
Elections are held in even-numbered years.
4. Qualifications
Must be a qualified elector in the district they represent.
Minimum age: 21 years.
No person convicted of certain felonies related to dishonesty or breach of public trust within 20 years may serve.
5. Legislative Sessions
Annual sessions begin on the second Wednesday of January.
May convene at other times if necessary.
6. Quorum and Rules
A majority of each house constitutes a quorum.
Each house sets its own rules and elects officers.
7. Open Sessions
Sessions must be open to the public, except under specific circumstances.
8. Journal and Voting
Each house keeps a journal of its proceedings.
Roll call votes are recorded for final passage of bills.
9. Passage of Bills
Bills must be read three times in each house before passage.
No bill can contain more than one object, which must be clearly stated in its title.
10. Governor’s Role
All bills must be presented to the Governor for approval.
The Governor can sign, veto, or recommend amendments.
Vetoes can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in each house.
11. Initiative and Referendum
Citizens may propose laws (initiative) or reject laws passed by the legislature (referendum) by petition.
Requires signatures equal to a percentage of the votes cast for governor.
12. Ethics and Conflict of Interest
Provisions to avoid conflicts of interest and promote transparency.
13. Compensation and Term Limits
Legislature sets salaries with review by the State Officers Compensation Commission.
Term limits apply: 3 terms (6 years) in the House, 2 terms (8 years) in the Senate.
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