Virginia Constitution ARTICLE IV - Legislature
Here is a summary of Article IV - Legislature of the Virginia Constitution:
Virginia Constitution – Article IV: Legislature
Overview:
Article IV establishes the structure, powers, and procedures of the General Assembly, which is Virginia's legislative branch. The General Assembly is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Delegates.
Key Sections and Provisions:
Legislative Power (Section 1):
All legislative powers of the Commonwealth are vested in the General Assembly.
Senate and House of Delegates (Section 2):
The Senate: Up to 40 members
The House of Delegates: Between 90 and 100 members
Members are elected from districts established by law.
Election and Terms (Sections 3 & 4):
Senators serve 4-year terms.
Delegates serve 2-year terms.
Elections occur at the times prescribed by law.
Qualifications (Sections 5 & 6):
Members must be qualified voters in Virginia and reside in the district they represent.
Disqualifications include conviction of certain crimes or mentally incompetent status, unless rights are restored.
Sessions (Sections 6-7):
Regular sessions begin on the second Wednesday in January (or later if prescribed).
Regular sessions are limited to 60 days, but may be extended by a two-thirds vote.
The Governor can call special sessions.
Organization and Procedure (Sections 8-13):
Each house elects its officers and establishes its own rules.
A majority of members constitutes a quorum.
Each house keeps a journal of its proceedings.
Sessions are open to the public, except under specified circumstances.
Powers of the General Assembly (Sections 14-18):
Authority to enact laws for the Commonwealth
Can regulate elections, taxation, local governments, and civil/criminal matters.
Prohibited from enacting special laws in certain cases (must pass general laws instead).
Impeachment (Section 17):
The House of Delegates has the power to impeach officers.
The Senate tries impeachments; conviction requires a two-thirds vote.
Prohibitions (Section 19):
Members may not hold any other public office during their term.
Bribery or corruption can lead to disqualification from holding office.
Redistricting (Section 6):
The General Assembly is responsible for drawing legislative and congressional districts after each decennial census.
An independent redistricting commission may be involved (as added by recent amendments).
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