Virginia General Assembly

Virginia General Assembly
Type
Type	Bicameral
Houses	Senate House of Delegates

The Virginia General Assembly is the legislative branch of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is a bicameral body, consisting of the lower house, the Virginia House of Delegates, and the upper house, the Virginia Senate. The General Assembly is one of the oldest continuous law-making bodies in the New World, having been established in 1619.

History

The Virginia General Assembly was first convened in 1619 at Jamestown, making it the oldest legislative body in the Western Hemisphere. Originally, it was a single-body assembly known as the House of Burgesses. As the colony of Virginia grew and evolved, so did its legislative body. In 1776, following the American Revolution, the modern bicameral structure was adopted.

Structure

The General Assembly meets annually for a session that begins on the second Wednesday in January and typically lasts for 60 days. It can extend the session or convene for a special session if necessary.

Virginia Senate

The Senate of Virginia is composed of 40 members who serve four-year terms. Senators are elected from single-member districts across the state. The Senate is presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, who serves as the President of the Senate.

House of Delegates

The Virginia House of Delegates consists of 100 members who serve two-year terms. Delegates are elected from districts of approximately equal population across the state. The House is led by the Speaker, who is elected by the members of the House.

Powers and Functions

The Virginia General Assembly is responsible for making all state laws in Virginia. It has the authority to enact legislation, levy taxes, and appropriate funds. The Assembly also has the power to confirm the Governor's appointments and has a role in the state's amendment process.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Virginia General Assembly has tackled issues such as healthcare, education reform, and transportation. It has also been involved in redistricting following the decennial census.

See Also

• Government of Virginia
• Politics of Virginia
• Virginia State Capitol