81-501: The Connecticut General Assembly ( CGA ) is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Connecticut . It is a bicameral body composed of the 151-member House of Representatives and the 36-member Senate . It meets in the state capital , Hartford . There are no term limits for members of either chamber. During even-numbered years, the General Assembly is in session from February to May. In odd-numbered years, when
162-401: A bill from a committee", which led to subsequent reforms. Reports of Committee After a committee has completed work on a bill, it reports the bill to the appropriate house during the "reports of committees" in the daily order of business. Reported bills are immediately given a second reading. The houses do not vote on a bill at the time it is reported; however, reported bills are placed on
243-491: A cafeteria, private dining room, newsstand, and library. The General Assembly has 26 committees, all of which are joint committees; that is, their membership includes House and Senate members alike. Several committees have subcommittees , each with their own chair and special focus. Before most bills are considered in either the House or Senate, they must first go through the committee system. The primary exception to this rule
324-562: A committee to "kill" a bill, sometimes without even a public vote; in Colorado, the power was notably repealed in a citizen initiative constitutional amendment in 1988 driven by various reform groups. When a committee refuses to vote a bill out of committee, a discharge petition can be passed by the broader membership. The specifics vary from state to state; for example, in 2004, a report found that New York State "places more restrictions than any other state legislature on motions to discharge
405-417: A common table, the disputants retreat to a more private setting to process information, agree on negotiation strategy, confer privately with counsel or with the mediator, or simply gain "breathing room" after the often emotionally difficult interactions that can occur in the common area where all parties are present. The degree to which caucuses are used can be a key defining element, and often an identifier, of
486-562: A large House, and he has a moveable Partition in his Garrett, which he takes down and the whole Clubb meets in one Room. There they smoke tobacco till you cannot see from one End of the Garrett to the other. There they drink Phlip I suppose, and there they choose a Moderator, who puts Questions to the Vote regularly, and Selectman , Assessors , Collectors , Wardens, Fire Wards , and Representatives are Regularly chosen before they are chosen in
567-506: A majority party, this is known as the majority being "rolled". When there are bills which most of the majority oppose, roll rates are a measure of the majority party's avoidance of voting on those bills. Committee review Committees review bill, often holding hearings to gather information and opinions, and can propose amendments to bill similar to legislative bodies throughout the world. Most bills cannot be enacted into law until it has been referred to, acted upon by, and returned from,
648-533: A number of warm disputes are prepared, to entertain the lower sort … William Gordon commented in 1788: The word caucus , and its derivative caucusing, are often used in Boston […] It seems to mean, a number of persons, whether more or less, met together to consult upon adopting or presenting some scheme of policy, for carrying a favorite point. The word is not of novel invention. More than fifty years ago, Mr. Samuel Adams 's father, and twenty others, one or two from
729-486: A particular party in Parliament, including senators, or a provincial legislature. These members elect among themselves a caucus chair who presides over their meetings. This person is an important figure when the party is in opposition , and is an important link between cabinet and the backbench when the party is in government . In such contexts, a party caucus can be quite powerful, as it can elect or dismiss
810-484: A particular time period and are created in response to specific problems facing the state. As of the 2013 legislative session, there are no active select committees. Most committee chair positions are held by the ruling party, but committees considered officially bi-partisan have chairs from both the Republican and Democratic caucuses . Bi-partisan committees are ones that are mostly administrative in nature, such as
891-792: A private note of "that American system called caucus". The Liberal Caucus was also vilified by socialists and trade unionists , who (prior to the establishment of the Independent Labour Party ) sought a route to parliamentary representation through the Liberal Party via the Labour Representation League and the Labour Electoral Association , but found their way barred by the party's management structures. Moisey Ostrogorsky devoted some nine chapters of his Democracy and
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#1732776634427972-656: A regular meeting of all members of Parliament (MPs) who belong to a parliamentary party : a party caucus may have the ability to elect or dismiss the party's parliamentary leader . The term was used historically in the United Kingdom to refer to the Liberal Party 's internal system of management and control. The word caucus came into use in the British colonies of North America to describe clubs or private meetings at which political matters were discussed. It
1053-429: A ruling was issued. The majority of General Assembly proceedings are open to members of the public. Public hearings are held regularly during the session for residents to be given a chance to testify on pending legislation. Viewing areas are offered in both chambers for people who would like to observe, though the floor of each chamber is generally restricted to legislators, staff members, interns, and certain members of
1134-561: A sitting Justice in an impeachment proceeding. On appeal, the entire Connecticut Supreme Court recused itself, and the argument was made before the judges of the Connecticut Appellate Court sitting as the Supreme Court. The Judiciary Committee, who issued the subpoenas, argued that they could also issue subpoenas in conjunction with their constitutional confirmation power. Sullivan voluntarily testified before
1215-705: A specific political party or movement. The exact definition varies between different countries and political cultures. The term originated in the United States , where it can refer to a meeting of members of a political party to nominate candidates, plan policy, etc., in the United States Congress , or other similar representative organs of government. It has spread to certain Commonwealth countries, including Australia , Canada , New Zealand , and South Africa , where it generally refers to
1296-470: A standing committee in each house. Reference to committee usually follows the first reading of the bill. Each committee is set up to consider bills relating to a particular subject. Standing committees are charged with the important responsibility of examining bills and recommending action to the Senate or House. Often on days when a legislature is not in session, the committees of each house meet and consider
1377-593: Is " parliamentary party ". When the term is used, it generally refers to a subgroup, faction or pressure group within a political party. For example, in 2019 the One Nation Conservatives and Blue Collar Conservatives were established as factions within the Conservative Party , both being described as "caucuses". In conventions , where the membership from different parts of the organization may gather, each separate group within
1458-516: Is a sub grouping of officials with shared affinities or ethnicities who convene, often but not always to advocate, agitate, lobby or to vote collectively, on policy. At the highest level, in Congress and many state legislatures, Democratic and Republican members organize themselves into a caucus (occasionally called a "conference"). There can be smaller caucuses in a legislative body, including those that are multi- partisan or even bicameral . Of
1539-399: Is available to ensure that legislation and accompanying discussion proceed as orderly as possible without bias. Bill drafting and submission The lawmaking process begins with the introduction of a bill in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Bills may be introduced in either house, sometimes with the exception of bills increasing or decreasing revenue, which must originate in
1620-540: Is called the Nebraska Legislature , but its members are called state senators. The first bicameral American legislature was formed in 1619 as the Virginia House of Burgesses . The legislatures of the initial Thirteen Colonies usually consisted of an elected lower house and an appointed upper house , the latter of which also functioned as an advisory council to the colonial governor. After
1701-488: Is done by committees. The legislature as a whole relies on its committees to report out only those bills deserving the consideration of the entire house. Through standing committees, each bill is addressed by a group of members who have special knowledge of its subject. Some members of the legislature have expert knowledge of particular subjects of legislation, and these members are usually placed on committees to take full advantage of this specialized knowledge. For this reason,
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#17327766344271782-699: Is first found in reference to the Caucus Club of Boston , which was established in c. 1719, although the name is not documented until c. 1760. There are three main theories for the word's origins: The Boston Gazette of May 5, 1760, includes an essay commenting: Whereas it is reported, that certain Persons, of the Modern Air and Complexion , to the Number of Twelve at least, have divers Times of late been known to combine together, and are called by
1863-711: Is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and has a lobbying office in Washington, D.C. Additionally, privately funded organizations with ideological leanings have annual meetings attracting many legislators. These include the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a conservative organization, and the State Innovation Exchange (SIX), its progressive counterpart. As of 2017, 24 of 99 chambers have limits on
1944-631: Is more usually a collective term for all members of a party sitting in Parliament, otherwise called a parliamentary group , rather than a word for a regular meeting of these members of Parliament . Thus, the Australian Federal Parliamentary Labor Party is commonly called "the Labor Caucus ". The word was used in New Zealand from at least the 1890s, when organized political parties began to emerge:
2025-590: Is no provision for the role of political parties in the United States Constitution . In the first two presidential elections, the Electoral College handled nominations and elections in 1789 and 1792 which selected George Washington . After that, Congressional party or a state legislature party caucus selected the party's presidential candidates. Nationally, these caucuses were replaced by the party convention starting in 1832 following
2106-413: Is not considered by the full house, the bill is defeated. The house of origin, upon return of its amended bill, may take any one of several courses of action. It may concur in the amendment by the adoption of a motion to that effect; then the bill, having been passed by both houses in identical form, is ready for enrollment. Another possibility is that the house of origin may adopt a motion to non-concur in
2187-433: Is the emergency certification bill , or "e-cert," which can be passed on the floor without going through committee first. The e-cert is generally reserved for use during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or when deadlines are approaching too quickly to delay action. Most are permanent committees, which are authorized and required by state statute to be continued each session. The twenty-six permanent committees of
2268-586: The American Revolution and the establishment of the United States, most states wrote new constitutions which had direct elections for both chambers of the legislature. This model helped influence the U.S. Constitution and was then adopted by new states which later joined the union . Members of the smaller chamber represent more citizens and usually serve for longer terms than members of the larger chamber, generally four years. In 41 states,
2349-633: The Connecticut Supreme Court , the state supreme court , have clarified and limited this power. §2-46 vests the Connecticut General Assembly with broad subpoena power. The power to compel documents and testimony is vested in the President of the Senate , Speaker of the House of Representatives , or either of the chairman of any committee (Connecticut has joint Committees, with a chairman from each house of
2430-744: The Massachusetts Bay Company under terms of a commission for settlement. When the commission expired in 1636 and the Connecticut Colony was established, the legislature was established as the "General Corte", consisting of six magistrates along with three-member committees representing each of the three towns. In 1639, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were adopted, which changed the spelling to "General Court;" formalized its executive, judicial, and legislative authority; and changed its membership to consist of
2511-437: The U.S. Senate , because that chamber's makeup is prescribed by the U.S. Constitution .) During a legislative session , the legislature considers matters introduced by its members or submitted by the governor. Businesses and other special interest organizations often lobby the legislature to obtain beneficial legislation, defeat unfavorably perceived measures, or influence other legislative action. A legislature also approves
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2592-404: The governor and to try articles of impeachment. (In a few states, a separate executive council, composed of members elected from large districts, performs the confirmation function.) Nebraska originally had a bicameral legislature like the other states, but the lower house was abolished following a referendum, effective with the 1936 elections. The remaining unicameral (one-chamber) legislature
2673-418: The state legislature is the legislative branch in each of the 50 U.S. states . A legislature generally performs state duties for a state in the same way that the United States Congress performs national duties at the national level. Generally, the same system of checks and balances that exists at the federal level also exists between the state legislature, the state executive officer (governor) and
2754-510: The General Assembly are: Of those, the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee, Internship Committee, Joint Committee on Legislative Management, and Regulation Review Committee are considered bi-partisan and feature leadership from each party. Some committees are select committees, authorized to only function for a set number of years before being brought up for review. Most select committees deal with issues of major importance during
2835-549: The General Assembly's committee and caucus meetings are held in the modern Legislative Office Building (LOB), while the House and Senate sessions are held in the State Capitol . The two buildings are connected via a tunnel known as the "Concourse", which stretches underneath an off-ramp of Interstate 84 . Most offices for legislators and their aides are also housed in the LOB, though some legislative leaders choose to be based in
2916-709: The General Assembly). Once subpoenaed, a person refusing to comply may be fined between $ 100 and $ 1000, and imprisoned for between one month and one year. The legislature has the power to subpoena the sitting governor of Connecticut in limited circumstances. The Connecticut Supreme Court clarified these circumstances, during the John G. Rowland impeachment process, in Office of the Legislature v. The Select Committee On Inquiry , 271 Conn. 540 (2004), holding that
2997-418: The House of Representatives. The order of business in each house provides a proper time for the introduction of bills. Bills are usually assigned consecutive numbers, given in the order of their introduction, to facilitate identification. Usually a bill cannot become enacted until it has been read on a certain number of days in each house. Upon introduction, a bill is usually read by its title only, constituting
3078-502: The Legislative Internship Committee. Most committees have ranking members , or leaders from the minority party who serve as the leaders of their party on each committee. All committees have their own staff members. The four largest committees (Appropriations, Finance, Judiciary, and Public Health) are led by non-partisan senior committee administrators. The rest are led by a committee clerk appointed by
3159-518: The Name of the New and Grand Corcas , tho' of declared Principles directly opposite to all that have heretofore been known: And whereas it is vehemently suspected, by some, that their Design is nothing less, than totally to overthrow the ancient Constitution of our Town-Meetings, as being popular and mobbish … The writer goes on to argue that this body's underhand attempts to influence voters are in opposition to
3240-847: The National Conference of The Council of State Governments (CSG), headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, with offices in Washington, DC; New York City; Chicago; Atlanta; and Sacramento, and at the annual meetings of CSG's regions, The Southern Legislative Conference, The Midwestern Legislative Conference, the Eastern Regional Conference and CSG West, and at the Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures , which
3321-695: The Organization of Political Parties (1902) to discussion of the development and operation of the "Caucus" in this sense. The word "caucus" is only occasionally encountered in contemporary politics in the British Isles. In contrast to other Anglosphere nations, it is never used for all members of a party in Parliament: the usual term for that concept, both in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland ,
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3402-530: The State Capitol itself. Each committee has its own office space, with most being located in the LOB. A few committees, particularly select committees, have their offices in the Capitol. Committee chairs and ranking members normally choose to have their personal offices near their committee offices, rather than staying in their caucus areas. The General Assembly is also provided with facilities such as
3483-560: The Town ; … The following month, a writer signing himself "E. J." and claiming to be "a late Member" of the Boston "Corkass", explained in greater detail how the inner circle of the "Petty Corkass" manipulated the business of the broader "Grand Corkass": At present the heads of this venerable Company meet some weeks before a Town-Meeting, and consult among themselves, appoint town officers, and settle all other affairs that are to be transacted at town meeting; after these few have settled
3564-539: The affairs, they communicate them to the next better sort of their brethren; when they have been properly sounded and instructed, they meet with the heads; these are called the Petty Corkass: Here each recommends his friends, opposes others, juggle and trim, and often have pretty warm disputes; but by compounding and compromising, settle every thing before the Grand Corkass meets; tho' for form sake …
3645-403: The amendment, at which point the bill dies. Finally, the house of origin may refuse to accept the amendment but request that a conference committee be appointed. The other house usually agrees to the request, and the presiding officer of each house appoints members to the conference committee. Conference committees Caucus A caucus is a meeting or grouping of supporters or members of
3726-431: The basis of representation in most state legislatures was modeled on that of the U.S. Congress : the state senators represented geographical units, while members of the larger chamber represented population. In Reynolds v. Sims the Supreme Court decided upon the one man, one vote standard for state legislatures and invalidated representation based on geographical units regardless of population. (The ruling does not affect
3807-428: The bill, the entire legislature gives consideration to its passage. At this time, the bill may be studied in detail, debated, amended, and read at length before final passage. If the majority vote in favor of the bill, it is recorded as passed. Transmission to second house A bill that is passed in one house is transmitted, along with a formal message, to the other house. If the bill is not reported from committee or
3888-413: The bills that have been referred to them to decide if the assigned bills should be reported for further action. For most bills, the recommendations of the committee are followed, although either house is free to accept or reject the action of the committee. Bills reported favorably by a committee may be placed on a regular calendar (the agenda of the deliberative body). Most of the work of the legislature
3969-421: The calendar for the next legislative day. This second reading is made by title only. The regular calendar is a list of bills that have been favorably reported from committee and are ready for consideration by the membership of the entire house. Third reading Regardless of where a bill is placed on the calendar, once the bill is considered and adopted, this is called the third reading. At this third reading of
4050-666: The controversy surrounding the retirement of the chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, William "Taco" Sullivan, the Connecticut General Assembly subpoenaed the testimony of Sullivan, who was still sitting on the Court. Sullivan challenged the subpoena in Connecticut Superior Court . The court ruled, in Sullivan v. McDonald (WL 2054052 2006), that the legislature could only subpoena
4131-424: The first reading of the bill. Because a bill is usually read by title only, it is important that the title give the members notice of the subject matter contained in the bill. A 2013 study of state legislatures found that of the 99 studied, about half, 53, had roll rates below 5% . And most, 83, had roll rates below 10% . When a bill passes where most votes are from the minority party and "moderate" members of
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#17327766344274212-405: The floor, which allows them to introduce family members or residents of their districts to the rest of the membership. The entire chamber often recognizes civic and youth groups, particularly championship-winning sports teams. Some residents receive special citations from the membership as well. State legislature (United States) [REDACTED] [REDACTED] In the United States ,
4293-443: The governor and six magistrates (each elected for one year terms) and three or four deputies per town (elected for six-month terms). Although the magistrates and deputies sat together, they voted separately and in 1645 it was decreed that a measure had to have the approval of both groups in order to pass. The Charter of 1662 changed the name to the General Assembly, while replacing the six magistrates with twelve assistants and reducing
4374-680: The growth and advancement of the Internet. Other congressional caucuses such as the Out of Iraq Caucus , are openly organized tendencies or political factions (within the House Democratic Caucus , in this case), and strive to achieve political goals, similar to a European "platform", but generally organized around a single issue. The term is also used in certain Commonwealth nations, including Australia , Canada , New Zealand and South Africa . When used in these countries, "caucus"
4455-567: The larger chamber is called the House of Representatives. Five states designate the larger chamber the assembly, three states call it the House of Delegates, and one has just one chamber. Members of the larger chamber usually serve for terms of two years. The larger chamber customarily has the exclusive power to initiate taxing legislation and articles of impeachment . Prior to the United States Supreme Court decisions Baker v. Carr (1962) and Reynolds v. Sims (1964),
4536-613: The largest of them, the Liberal Party , used it to refer to its parliamentary members. In New Zealand, the term is now used by all political parties, but in Australia, it continues to be used only by the Labor Party . For the Australian Liberal , National and Green parties, the usual equivalent term is "party room". In South Africa all parties use the term "caucus". In Canada, "caucus" refers to all members of
4617-588: The lead of the Anti-Masonic Party 1831 convention. The term caucus is frequently used to discuss the procedures used by some states to select presidential nominees such as the Iowa caucuses , the first of the modern primary presidential election cycle , and the Texas caucuses . Since 1980 such caucuses have become, in the aggregate, an important component of the nomination process. Another meaning
4698-521: The legislature can issue subpoenas only in conjunction with its mandate under the state constitution . Impeachment is a constitutional power of the legislature under Article IX of the Connecticut Constitution , and therefore the legislature can compel the testimony of the governor in conjunction with impeachment proceedings. The ability of the legislature to subpoena judges of the state court has also been clarified in court. During
4779-608: The legislature is considered full-time, the session may last all year, with periodic breaks for district work. Some states have varying lengths for odd-numbered and even-numbered years, or allow for a fixed number of either legislative or calendar days. Georgia for example, allows only 40 legislative days per year, and Wyoming allows 60 legislative days per term and no more than 40 per one calendar year. Whereas in Michigan , New Jersey , New York (in odd-numbered years), Ohio , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (in odd-numbered years),
4860-452: The legislature often accepts the final recommendations of its standing committees. As has been noted, however, the legislature does not completely abdicate its responsibility for the consideration of pending bills. If the need arises, the members of either house can force a committee to take action on a bill, or they can ignore the committee's recommendations. Pocket veto and discharge petitions Pocket veto powers are common, which allows
4941-862: The legislature the legislative assembly . The responsibilities of a state legislature vary from state to state, depending on state's constitution . The primary function of any legislature is to create laws. State legislatures also approve budget for state government. They may establish government agencies, set their policies, and approve their budgets. For instance, a state legislature could establish an agency to manage environmental conservation efforts within that state. In some states, state legislators elect other officials, such as governor. State legislatures often have power to regulate businesses operating within their jurisdiction. They also regulate courts within their jurisdiction. This includes determining types of cases that can be heard, setting court fees, and regulating attorney conduct. Other responsibilities Under
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#17327766344275022-591: The majority party. The majority and minority party appoint assistant clerks. Each committee is assigned additional non-partisan staffers from the Office of Legislative Research, the Office of Fiscal Analysis, and the Legislative Commissioners' Office who, respectively, research legislation and issues, assess fiscal impacts, and draft legislation. The General Assembly has subpoena power under Connecticut General Statutes §2-46. Recent decisions by
5103-399: The manner of appointing the state's presidential electors . Formerly, state legislatures appointed the U.S. Senators from their respective states until the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913 required the direct election of senators by the state's voters. Sometimes what the legislature wishes to accomplish cannot be done simply by the passage of a bill, but rather requires amending
5184-672: The many Congressional caucuses , one of the best-known is the Congressional Black Caucus , a group of African-American members of Congress. Another prominent example is the Congressional Hispanic Caucus , whose members voice and advance issues affecting Hispanics in the United States, including Puerto Rico . In a different vein, the Congressional Internet Caucus is a bipartisan group of Members who wish to promote
5265-540: The media collectively known as the Capitol Press Corps. Additionally, the Connecticut Network , or CT-N, broadcasts the majority of each session for viewing on television. Members of the public are often recognized during legislative proceedings, particularly sessions of the House. Representatives and Senators can call for a "point of personal privilege" when there is no business pending on
5346-697: The more laudable activities of "the old and true Corcas". A February 1763 entry in the diary of John Adams demonstrates that the word already held its modern connotations of a " smoke-filled room " where candidates for public election were pre-selected in private: This day learned that the Caucas Clubb meets at certain Times in the Garret of Tom Daws , the Adjutant of the Boston Regiment. He has
5427-501: The north end of the town, where all the ship business is carried on, used to meet, make a caucus, and lay their plan for introducing certain persons into places of trust and power. An analogical Latin-type plural "cauci" is occasionally used. In United States politics and government, caucus has several related but distinct meanings. Members of a political party or subgroup may meet to coordinate members' actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. There
5508-401: The number of bills that a legislator can introduce per year according to NCSL . Most limits are set by internal legislative rules, while Louisiana's legislature is limited by constitutional amendment. Generally, the legislative bodies and their committees use either Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure or an amended form thereof. During official meetings, a professional parliamentarian
5589-416: The number of deputies per town to no more than two. In 1698, the General Assembly divided itself into its current bicameral form, with the twelve assistants as the Council and the deputies as the House of Representatives. The modern form of the General Assembly (divided into the upper Senate and lower House and devoid of all executive and judicial authority) was incorporated in the 1818 constitution . Most of
5670-437: The organization may meet prior to the convention as a caucus. Each caucus may decide how the group would vote on various issues that may come up at the convention. Unless the votes are made binding, however, each delegate is still free to vote in any fashion. The term caucus is also used in mediation , facilitation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution to describe circumstances wherein, rather than meeting at
5751-403: The party is in government. For example, this is traditionally so in the Australian Labor Party and the New Zealand Labour Party . The word "caucus" had a wide currency in the United Kingdom in the late 19th century, meaning a highly structured system of management and control within a political party, equivalent to a " party machine " in the United States. It was used with specific reference to
5832-474: The party's parliamentary leader. The caucus system is a departure from the Westminster tradition in giving members of the upper house a say in the election of the party leader, who may become head of government. The caucus also determines some matters of policy, parliamentary tactics, and disciplinary measures against disobedient MPs. In some parties, the caucus also has the power to elect MPs to Cabinet when
5913-566: The secretary of the Birmingham Liberal Association, William Harris (later dubbed the "father of the Caucus") devised a four-tier organizational structure (of ward committees, general committee, executive committee, and management committee) through which Liberal voters in different wards could be instructed in the precise combinations in which to cast their votes. In 1877 the newly formed National Liberal Federation
5994-400: The sessions usually last all year. Four state legislatures – Montana , Nevada , North Dakota and Texas – meet only biennially. In the early 1960s, only 19 legislatures met annually, but by the mid-1970s, it had increased to 41. The latest legislature to switch to annual sessions was Oregon in 2011, following a voter-approved ballot measure. Many state legislators meet every year at
6075-624: The state budget is completed, session lasts from January to June. The governor has the right to call for a special session after the end of the regular session, while the General Assembly can call for a " veto session " after the close in order to override gubernatorial vetoes . During the first half of session, the House and Senate typically meet on Wednesdays only, though by the end of the session, they meet daily due to increased workload and deadlines. The three settlements that would become Connecticut ( Hartford , Wethersfield , and Windsor ) were established in 1633, and were originally governed by
6156-420: The state judiciary . A state is permitted to use a parliamentary system , or any other system of government, if it so desired. In 27 states, the legislature is called the legislature or the state legislature , while in 19 states the legislature is called the general assembly . In Massachusetts and New Hampshire , the legislature is called the general court , while North Dakota and Oregon designate
6237-414: The state constitution. Each state has specified steps intended to make it difficult to alter the constitution without the sufficient support of either the legislature, or the people, or both. All states except Nebraska have a bicameral legislature. The smaller chamber is called the senate, usually referred to as the upper house. This chamber usually has the exclusive power to confirm appointments made by
6318-488: The state's operating and capital budgets, which may begin as a legislative proposal or a submission by the governor. In most states, a new state legislature convenes in January of the odd-numbered year after the election of members to the larger chamber. The period during which the legislature remains in session varies by state. In states where the legislature is considered part-time, a session may last several months; where
6399-585: The structure of the Liberal Party . Originally a pejorative term, used by detractors of the system with overtones of corrupt American practices, the name was soon adopted by the Liberals themselves. The system had originated at a local level in Birmingham in preparation for the 1868 general election , when, under the 1867 Reform Act , the city had been allocated three parliamentary seats , but each elector had only two votes. In order to spread votes evenly,
6480-450: The terms of Article V of the U.S. Constitution , state lawmakers retain the power to ratify Constitutional amendments which have been proposed by both houses of Congress and they also retain the ability to call for a national convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. After the convention has concluded its business 75% of the states will ratify what the convention has proposed. Under Article II , state legislatures choose
6561-532: Was given a similar structure, on the initiative of Joseph Chamberlain , and again worked out in detail by Harris. Shortly afterwards the term "caucus" was applied to this system by The Times newspaper, which referred to "the 'caucus' with all its evils", and by the Conservative prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli . In 1880 Queen Victoria , following a meeting with Disraeli, wrote disapprovingly in
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