84-529: The Maine State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Maine . It is a bicameral body composed of the lower house Maine House of Representatives and the upper house Maine Senate . The legislature convenes at the State House in Augusta , where it has met since 1832. The House of Representatives consists of 151 members, each chosen from single-member constituencies. The House
168-470: A bill (L.D. 893) proposing an amendment that would repeal Section 7's ban on printing Section 5. In splitting from Massachusetts, Maine was required to adopt its obligations and treaties with the tribes, and to set aside land for them. These requirements are enumerated in Section 5, primarily in its subsection 5. (Bear introduced another version of this bill in 2017 as L.D. 428 .) One view is that Section 7
252-401: 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
336-562: A committee to "kill" a bill, sometimes without even a public vote; in Colorado, the power was notably repealed in a citizen initiative constitutional amendment in 1988 driven by various reform groups.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
420-553: A greater extent, is not, so far as I am informed, to be found in any insufficiency or defect of those laws, but in the greater ease and simplicity of the method of application to the Legislature and in the fancied higher [146 Me. 323] sanction of an authority proceeding directly from it. Section fourteen, relating to corporations is compressive and peremptory.. It relates to all corporations, except only those for municipal purposes. It clearly prohibits their creation by special acts if
504-553: A lifetime, limit. Members who have served the limit are re-eligible after two years. Until 1880, the legislature was elected for a one-year term. Starting in 1881, an amendment to the Maine Constitution took effect to provide for two-year terms, the current length. The legislature meets in two separate sessions. The first session begins the first Wednesday in December, following the general election, and continues into
588-506: 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,
672-617: A natural and unalienable right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences". This is notably different from the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 which referred to the "duty of all men in society, publicly, and at stated seasons to worship the Supreme being. This article describes who may vote for Governor and members of the Maine Legislature . It states that every citizen of
756-576: A network of "public-private relationships" also referred to as 'quasis" and business consortiums". This has largely occurred since 1977 when the Maine Legislature chartered the Maine Development Foundation as a non-profit corporation to serve as an instrumentality of the state with the expressed intent to establish legislative authority to centrally manage Maine's economy: §915. Legislative findings and intent: "There
840-419: A portion of the laws of former Legislatures, is an obnoxious one, conveying suggestions of privilege, favoritism and monopoly; though happily these evils have not in fact, stained the character of our legislation, they should not be suffered to have, even in the form of our laws, any grounds of suspicion that can be removed. Other weighty objections to special laws for private benefit are, that they are obtained at
924-470: 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
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#17327733161571008-483: 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
1092-406: Is a need to establish a new basis for a creative partnership of the private and public sectors ... but which does not compromise the public interest or the profit motive. The state's solitary burden to provide for development should lessen through involving the private sector in a leadership role ..... The foundation shall exist as a not-for-profit corporation with a public purpose, and the exercise by
1176-673: Is a subcommittee of the Legislative Council, reviews the proposed legislative budget and sends its recommendations to the Council for approval. Unlike other state legislatures (save for the unicameral Nebraska Legislature ), the Maine State Legislature uses a unified numbering system for bills. Bills are assigned a House or Senate Paper number (depending on its house of origin) and a unified "Legislative Document" ("LD") number, both of which stay constant until
1260-451: 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
1344-624: Is called an Advisory opinion . This article describes the state militia , and says that "all commissioned officers of shall be appointed and commissioned by the Governor". This section also describes the Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard who is appointed by the Governor, and describes the organization, armament and discipline of. This section also says that certain classes of people are exempted, such as
1428-540: 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
1512-416: Is debated whether the language in Section 5 has any current application or if those clauses have all been superseded by later actions. One direct consequence of Section 7 is that the bill to revoke it, L.D. 893, cannot legally contain the text of Section 5. Historian Catherine M. Burns links the redaction of Article X, Section 5 to actions taken by the state in 1875 to settle Joseph Granger v. Peter Avery,
1596-434: Is desirable to provide by general laws, if practicable. 'Many objects have been hitherto specially legislated upon although they were amply provided for by general laws. I have distinguished authority for the statement that sixty or more of the corporations created by a special act for each, by the last Legislature, could have been created and organized under general laws. The reason why the general laws have not been resorted to
1680-488: 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,
1764-711: 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
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#17327733161571848-413: 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
1932-408: Is simple bookkeeping for obsolete clauses. Bear and others see its suppression in print as symbolic of Maine neglecting its responsibilities to the tribes, saying it has aided in them being forgotten by the state. As an example, they point to a 1967 letter from Maine's Indian Affairs Commissioner Edward Hinckley. Section 5 required Maine to set aside $ 30,000 worth of land for which Massachusetts paid
2016-609: Is uniquely the only state legislative body in the U.S. to set aside special seats for American Indians , where there are three non-voting Representatives from the Penobscot Nation , the Passamaquoddy Tribe, and the Houlton Band of Maliseets . The Senate currently has 35 members, though under the Maine Constitution there may be 31, 33, or 35. In 1922, Dora Pinkham became the first woman elected to
2100-586: 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,
2184-1011: The Legislature are described, however "all bills for raising a revenue shall originate in the House of Representative." This means if the Senate passes legislation which raises revenue it is constitutionally invalid if the House of Representatives has not previously acted on it. Maine is one of the states which prohibits the legislature from chartering corporations. This is dealt with in Article IV part Third Sections 13 and 14. Section 13 Special legislation. The Legislature shall, from time to time, provide, as far as practicable, by general laws, for all matters usually appertaining to special or private legislation. Section 14 Corporations, formed under general laws. Corporations shall be formed under general laws, and shall not be created by special Acts of
2268-455: The Quakers and Shakers , but otherwise "able-bodied" persons between the ages of 18 and 45 are not exempted from service in the militia . This section says the Legislature shall require towns to support public schools since "a general diffusion of the advantages of education being essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people." Also authority is granted to "pledge
2352-437: 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
2436-404: 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
2520-503: The legislative branch of the Maine state government, the legislature has the power to make laws, subject to a veto by the governor . The legislature, however, by a vote of two-thirds in each house, may override the veto. The legislature also has the power to propose constitutional amendments by a vote of two-thirds in each house; the proposal must be approved by a majority of voters in a referendum in order to be passed. Unlike other states,
2604-451: The " State of Maine " in 1820 and is the fundamental governing document of the state. It consists of a Preamble and ten Articles (divisions), the first of which is a "Declaration of Rights". The preamble of Maine's Constitution spells it out: "Objects of government. We the people of Maine, in order to establish justice, insure tranquility, provide for our mutual defense, promote our common welfare, and secure to ourselves and our posterity
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2688-540: The Constitution, emergency legislation is supposed to be legislation for an immediate need to protect public peace, health, or safety, but that provision is often broadly interpreted. The governor of Maine may also call the legislature into a special session for "extraordinary occasions." The Governor and the Senate President may also call the Senate into session to confirm gubernatorial appointments. As
2772-418: 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
2856-496: The Legislature, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where the objects of the corporation cannot otherwise be attained; and, however formed, they shall forever be subject to the general laws of the State. Despite the constitutional prohibition the legislature has embedded a complex corporate network of corporations that serve as "an instrumentality of the state" and declared to be "essential government functions" and are linked to
2940-602: The Maine State Legislature, serving first in the House and then in the Senate. In 1823, the Penobscot tribe sent what is believed to be their first representative to the Maine Senate . In 1842, the Passamaquoddy tribe also sent their first representative. It appears that prior to Maine's statehood, Massachusetts allowed the tribes to send in representatives. It is not known what role the representatives played in
3024-847: 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
3108-489: The United States of age 18 or older who has established residence in Maine shall be eligible to vote in state elections. There are certain exceptions such as "persons under guardianship for reasons of mental illness" and "persons in the military, naval or marine service of the United States." It was decided in 2001 that persons who are under guardianship are still permitted to vote. This article says that "the powers of this government shall be divided into 3 distinct departments,
3192-482: The actual service of the United States." The article also describes the compensation of the Governor and their power to appoint members of the judiciary who are not directly elected, as well as civil and military officers. This article establishes and describes the powers of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court , and such other courts as the Legislature shall from time to time establish." Also
3276-531: The amendment process, which starts with the legislature. Section 5 incorporates parts of the Massachusetts law authorizing its separation of Maine, including its stated original office holders. (Printing disallowed by Section 7; as described below, this is a source of controversy.) Section 6 tasks the Chief Justice to re-organize the constitution as it gets changed. "And the Constitution, with
3360-404: 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 Maine Constitution The Constitution of the State of Maine established
3444-448: The amendments made thereto, in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall be the supreme law of the State." Section 7 forbade the printing of sections 1, 2, and 5, while stating that they remain valid. The full text is: Section 7. Original sections 1, 2, 5, of Article X not to be printed; section 5 in full force . Sections 1, 2 and 5, of Article X of the Constitution, shall hereafter be omitted in any printed copies thereof prefixed to
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3528-494: 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
3612-428: 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
3696-413: 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
3780-574: The blessings of liberty, acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity, so favorable to the design; and, imploring God's aid and direction in its accomplishment, do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the style and title of the State of Maine and do ordain and establish the following Constitution for
3864-421: 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
3948-567: The constitution were Thomas Jefferson , John Chandler , Albion K. Parris , William Pitt Preble , and John Holmes . Thomas Jefferson authored the section of Article VIII on education. The Maine Constitution was approved by all 210 delegates to the Maine Constitutional Convention , which was held during October 1819, in Portland, Maine . The Maine Constitution is the fourth-oldest operating state constitution in
4032-468: The country. The Preamble defines the following reasons for establishing the State of Maine, which would also have served as an expression of dissatisfaction with being the District of Maine : The Preamble states that the people of Maine "do agree to form ourselves into a free and independent State, by the style and title of the State of Maine and do ordain and establish the following Constitution for
4116-464: The credit of the State and to issue bonds for loans to Maine students in higher education and their parents." Municipalities are granted the power to amend their charters and to issue bonds for industrial purposes. This section sets the oath of office, the date of elections, and allows for impeachment. It also states that all "taxes upon real and personal estate , assessed by authority of this State, shall be apportioned and assessed equally according to
4200-445: The electorate and provides further stipulations on the issuing of bonds. Section 14 A-D specifies conditions for insuring loans and bonds. This section contains several sections with no stated overall theme. Notably, Section 7 prohibited the printing of Sections 1, 2, and 5, while stating that they nonetheless remain in force. The effect of this suppression with respect to Section 5 has been controversial, as described below. Section 7
4284-561: The end of session. Non-Voting Tribal Representatives State legislature (United States) [REDACTED] [REDACTED] In the United States , 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,
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#17327733161574368-424: 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
4452-606: The following joint committees are in operation: The Senate and House have only a few separate committees: In addition, a Legislative Council, which manages the overall business of the legislature, comprises the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the Republican and Democratic Floor Leaders for both the Senate and House of Representatives and their Assistant Floor Leaders. A Legislative Budget Subcommittee, which
4536-544: The following year. The second session begins the first Tuesday in January of the next year, the same year as the next general election. The second session is typically short and deals with a limited number of bills per the Maine Constitution , which are budgetary matters, legislation submitted by the Governor , bills held over from the first session, citizen initiatives, and legislation deemed to be an 'emergency'. According to
4620-441: The foundation of the powers conferred by this chapter shall be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function. In Governor Seldon Conner's inaugural address of 1876, he said these words pertaining to the new constitutional amendment: "Section thirteen presents a discretionary field of action which your own honor will impel you to occupy to the fullest extent.'The title of 'Special and Private Laws,' which includes so large
4704-766: The government of the same." The Maine Constitution was approved by Congress on March 4, 1820 as part of the Missouri Compromise since the Maine Constitution did not recognize slavery . The State of Maine was previously the District of Maine in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts . William King may have authored the largest part of the Maine Constitution, as he was the president of the Constitutional Convention and later elected Maine's first Governor . Other authors of
4788-499: The government of the same." This Article contains 24 sections, of which the longest is on religious freedom . The first section starts "All people are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and unalienable rights." The beginning is similar to the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780 which used the phrase "born free and equal", the basis for which slavery was abolished in that state in 1820. The section on religious freedom starts with "all individuals have
4872-438: The joint action of both branches of the Legislature, and the style of their laws and Acts shall be, 'Be it enacted by the people of the State of Maine.'" "Legislative Powers" describes when the Legislature shall meet and allows the Governor 10 days to approve legislation. The Governor is also granted the "line-item veto of dollar amounts appearing in appropriation or allocation sections of legislative documents." Also duties of
4956-620: The just value thereof." However the Legislature is allowed to set special assessments for the following types of property, including: certain farms and agricultural lands, timberlands and woodlands, open space lands, and waterfront land that supports commercial fishing. Section 14 deals with debt and the ratification of bonds. It sets a $ 2,000,000 debt and liability limit except to suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or for purposes of war and provides conditions for temporary loans to be repaid within 12 months. It mandates that specific fiscal information must accompany bond questions presented on to
5040-567: 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),
5124-485: The laws of the State; but this shall not impair the validity of acts under those sections; and said section 5 shall remain in full force, as part of the Constitution, according to the stipulations of said section, with the same effect as if contained in said printed copies. Section 7 was repealed by a popular referendum , on November 7, 2023. In 2015, Henry John Bear , Representative for the Maliseet tribe, introduced
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#17327733161575208-476: The legislative, executive and judicial." No person may assume a position in two of the branches at once. Establishes the Maine House of Representatives and the Maine Senate which shall comprise the Maine Legislature . The number of members of each body are set, and their duties are described. This article also describes the establishment of districts, how members are elected by Electors in each district,
5292-559: 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 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,
5376-608: 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),
5460-404: The legislature is responsible for electing the attorney general , state treasurer , and secretary of state . Most states give this responsibility to gubernatorial appointments, or an election by the people at large. Unlike committees in most state legislatures, most standing committees in the Maine State Legislature are Joint committees with members from both the House and Senate. As of 2024,
5544-452: 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
5628-455: The legislature until 1907, when records started being kept, and included documentation of where the representatives sat, what they said when they spoke, and privileges that were granted. While the representatives tried to achieve a higher status in the legislature, in 1941, legislation was passed to remove the representatives from the Hall of House, meaning that they held very little power, besides
5712-460: The length of office is set – 7 years, etc. Also judges and registers of probate are to be elected by voters in their respective counties. This article also says that the Justices of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court "shall be obliged to give their opinion upon important questions of law, and upon solemn occasions, when required by the Governor, Senate or House of Representatives." Such an opinion
5796-399: 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
5880-455: The new state, but, Hinckley noted, no such land was allocated. The section was adopted in 1875, officially as a "decluttering" of the constitution. State Senator Chris Johnson of Somerville, who assumed office in 2012, objected: "We should not be hiding part of our guiding document that still is in force today." Because the redacted sections have continued to be in effect, publishing Section 5 would have no other formal legal consequences. It
5964-401: 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
6048-419: The objects desired can be secured under existing general laws." This article describes the powers, election, and duties of the Governor, Secretary of State and State Treasurer . The article gives to the Governor "the supreme executive power of this State". Also the Governor is given the title of the "commander in chief of the army and navy of the State, and of the militia, except when the same are called into
6132-576: The persuasive power granted by being in the capital. It was not until 1975 when the representatives were once again allowed in the chamber hall with seating and speaking privileges. In 1996, tribe representatives tried to co-sponsor a bill, and in 1999 the tribes were formally allowed to co-sponsor bills. On 2001, this rule change allowed for Donna Loring to push for a bill, "An Act to Require Teaching Maine Native American History and Culture in Maine’s Schools" to require all public and private schools in
6216-399: The public expense, and in their passage distract the attention of legislators from matters of public interest. The opportunity is now afforded, and the duty enjoined upon you, by the amendment, to restrict the necessity for such laws to the narrowest possible limits. An analysis and classification of the private and special laws upon the statute books, will inform you of the objects for which it
6300-407: The qualifications for office, a residency requirement, etc. However this article also reserves to the people certain important powers. "The people reserve to themselves power to propose laws and to enact or reject the same at the polls independent of the Legislature." Also the people reserve the "power at their own option to approve or reject at the polls any Act, bill, resolve or resolution passed by
6384-400: 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 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
6468-400: 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
6552-414: 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
6636-651: The state government, including Governor Paul LePage . As of the 2018 election , only the Passamaquoddy tribe have returned to the legislature, while the Maliseets have departed and the Penobscot have yet to return. To be a member of the legislature, one must be at least 21 years of age, have to have been a citizen of the US for five years, have been a resident of Maine for one year, and for the 3 months next preceding
6720-457: The state to teach about Maine history, including Native American history. This act was signed by Governor Angus King in 2001. The Houlton Band of Maliseets received representation in 2012. Thus far, the Mi'kmaq Nation has not been granted representation. In 2015, the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot pulled their representatives from the legislature in protest of growing tension between the tribes and
6804-433: 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
6888-450: 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
6972-468: The time of this person's election shall have been and during the period for which elected continue to be, a resident in the district represented. Legislative elections are held in November of every even-numbered year, during the state's general election . The terms for both houses are two years. Since 1996, members of both the House and Senate are limited to four two-year terms, a consecutive, rather than
7056-422: Was repealed on November 7, 2023. Section 1 dictates the time, place, and apportionment of the first meeting of the legislature. (Printing disallowed by Section 7.) Section 2 states the terms of the first office holders under the constitution. (Printing disallowed by Section 7.) Section 3 confirms that previously existing laws will continue in force unless "repugnant to this constitution." Section 4 defines
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