SOL CE.7a
The Lawmaking Process

How do the Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress make laws?

Terms to know:
•     Bicameral: Having two houses (e.g., the Senate and the House of Representatives)

The Virginia General Assembly and the United States Congress are bicameral legislatures.

Legislative powers
•     Expressed (specifically listed)
•     Implied (used to carry out expressed powers)
Officials who are elected to serve in the state and national legislatures make laws.

The lawmaking process in national and state legislatures:
•     Working in committees
•     Debating on the floor
•     Voting on a bill by both houses
•     Signing the bill into law by the President or governor

Elected officials write laws and take action in response to problems or issues.

Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation.

STANDARD CE.7b
The Executive Branch

What are the roles and powers of the executive branch at the state and national level?

The powers of the executive branch are defined in the Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.

The executive branch at the state and national levels carries out the law.

Ways the executive branch influences policymaking:
•     Proposing legislation in an annual speech to the legislature (State of the Commonwealth or State of the Union Address)
•     Appealing directly to the people
•     Approving or vetoing legislation
•     Appointing officials who carry out the laws

Cabinet departments, agencies, and regulatory groups interpret and help with carrying out laws.