State LegislaturesAlmost all are bicameral

Bicameral = two house legislature

Unicameral = one house legislatureNebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature.

Election DistrictsEach state divides itself into different

election districts.MN does the same.We are currently being represented by Bill

Ingebrigtsen (Senate 11) and Torrey Westrom (House District 11A)

What determines district size?It used to be that land regions used to

determine election district size.This resulted in unequal population sizes

within the districts.Reynolds v. Sims Supreme Court Case ruled

that “one person, one vote.” (1964)

ApportionmentThe distribution of legislative seats according

to population.

After a census we go through “reapportionment” establishing new district lines for the legislative districts.

Office RequirementsJust like the Constitution of the United States

sets the qualifications for the Senators and the House of Representatives, the state constitutions set the qualifications for state offices.

Minnesota SenateSenators serve for four year terms.They get paid $31,140.$96 per day they are reimbursed for living

expenses (food, hotel, gas, etc….)They can get paid 7 days a week if they

choose.

Qualifications for a MN State SenatorTo be eligible to run for the Minnesota

State Senate in 2012, a candidate must be:[9] Eligible to vote in Minnesota Have not filed for more than one office for

the upcoming primary or general election At least 21 years old by January 3, 2013 A resident of Minnesota for a least one year A resident of the legislative district for at

least 6 months before the election.

MN State House Members$31,140 annually with the $77 per diem.2 year terms

Qualifications for MN State House of RepresentativesTo be eligible to run for the Minnesota

House of Representatives in 2012, a candidate must be:[9]

Eligible to vote in Minnesota Have not filed for more than one office for

the upcoming primary or general election At least 21 years old by January 3, 2013 A resident of Minnesota for a least one year A resident of the legislative district for at

least 6 months before the election.

The legislative duties are very similar to the federal responsibilities.They pass bills. The process is very similar to

the process of the federal process.The key offices are similar.

Line-Item VetoThe governor can approve certain parts of

the bill and veto others.

The Veto Process and Powers of the Governor

Once a bill has passed both the House and the Senate in identical form, it's ready to be sent to the governor for consideration. The governor has several options when considering a bill. The governor can:

sign the bill and it will become law; veto the bill; line-item veto individual items within an

appropriations bill; or

do nothing, which at the end of the biennium results in a pocket veto.

Vetoes can be overridden2/3 vote is what is necessary to override a

veto.Rarely are vetoes overriden.

State Legislatures are asked to do many things!State officials are afraid to raise taxes

because they understand they may not be reelected.

Federal grants often help pay for programs.As the federal government struggles to pay

its own bills it will become more and more difficult for it to pay for the state programs. As a result we will see more cuts.

Borrow or Cut ServicesIt is expensive to borrow money and then pay

interest for the money.As services are cut it is more difficult for the

states to do manage.Legislators are struggling with the issues of

crime, drug abuse, and unemployment.