Oregon Constitution ARTICLE IV LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT
Oregon Constitution – Article IV: Legislative Department
Article IV of the Oregon Constitution establishes the structure, powers, duties, and limitations of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, which is the state legislature.
🔹 Overview
Sets up a bicameral legislature:
Senate (Upper House)
House of Representatives (Lower House)
Grants legislative authority to these two chambers.
🔹 Key Sections and Provisions
Section 1: Legislative Power
All legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly, consisting of:
A Senate and
A House of Representatives.
Also recognizes the initiative and referendum powers of the people:
Initiative: Citizens can propose laws or constitutional amendments.
Referendum: Citizens can vote to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature.
Section 2: Membership
Senate and House members are elected by the people.
Members must meet age, residency, and citizenship requirements.
Section 3 & 4: Term and Composition
Senate: 4-year terms, with half elected every two years.
House: 2-year terms, all members elected every two years.
Section 6: Sessions
The Legislative Assembly meets annually:
Odd-numbered years: Regular sessions not to exceed 160 days.
Even-numbered years: Limited sessions not to exceed 35 days.
The Governor can call special sessions.
Section 7: Rules and Proceedings
Each chamber sets its own rules, selects officers, and judges the qualifications of its members.
Section 8: Quorum and Voting
A majority of each chamber is required for a quorum.
A majority vote is generally needed to pass legislation unless otherwise specified.
Section 10: Legislative Immunity
Members are privileged from arrest (except for treason, felony, or breach of peace) during sessions and travel.
They cannot be sued for speech or debate in the legislature.
Sections 14-15: Bill Process
All bills must be read three times before passage.
Laws must have a single subject, clearly expressed in the title.
Governor has the power to veto bills, which can be overridden by a two-thirds vote.
Section 22: Appropriations
No money can be drawn from the treasury except by lawful appropriation.
Section 25: Bribery and Conflicts
Strict prohibitions on bribery, fraud, and conflicts of interest by legislators.
Citizen Powers (Initiative & Referendum)
The people retain the power to:
Enact or reject laws and amendments independently of the legislature.
Refer legislative acts to a public vote before they take effect.
This has made Oregon a leader in direct democracy since early 1900s.
🔹 Purpose and Importance
Defines the structure and function of Oregon’s lawmaking body.
Ensures checks and balances with the executive and judicial branches.
Embeds popular participation in lawmaking through initiative and referendum.
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