California State Legislature facts for kids
Quick facts for kids California State Legislature |
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|---|---|
| 2021–22 session | |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | Senate Assembly |
| Leadership | |
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President Pro Tem of the Senate
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Toni Atkins (D)
Since March 21, 2018 |
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Senate Minority Leader
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Shannon Grove (R)
Since March 1, 2019 |
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Speaker of the Assembly
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Anthony Rendon (D)
Since March 7, 2016 |
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Assembly Minority Leader
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Marie Waldron (R)
Since November 8, 2018 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 120 40 senators 80 assembly |
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Senate political groups
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Assembly political groups
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| Elections | |
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Senate last election
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November 3, 2020 (20 seats) |
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Assembly last election
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November 3, 2020 |
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Senate next election
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November 8, 2022 (20 seats) |
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Assembly next election
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November 8, 2022 |
| Meeting place | |
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| California State Capitol Sacramento, California |
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The California State Legislature is the main law-making body for the state of California in the United States. It is made up of two parts, which is called a bicameral legislature. These two parts are the California State Assembly and the California State Senate.
The Assembly has 80 members, and the Senate has 40 members. Both groups meet at the California State Capitol building in Sacramento. California's legislature is one of only ten in the United States that works full-time. This means its members work on state laws all year long.
As of late 2020, the Democratic Party has the most members in both the Assembly and the Senate. This means they have a big role in deciding which laws get passed.
Contents
What is the California State Legislature?
The California State Legislature is where new laws for the state are discussed and created. Think of it like a big team meeting for the whole state. The people who work here are elected by citizens from all over California. Their job is to represent the people and make decisions that affect everyone in the state.
How Does the Legislature Work?
The legislature is split into two main groups: the Assembly and the Senate. This two-part system helps make sure that laws are carefully reviewed. A bill (a proposed law) must pass through both the Assembly and the Senate. After that, it goes to the Governor of California to be signed into law or vetoed.
The California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is often called the "lower house." It has 80 members, and each member represents a smaller area of the state. Assembly members serve two-year terms. This means they are elected every two years. Their job is to bring up ideas for new laws and vote on them.
The California State Senate
The California State Senate is known as the "upper house." It has 40 members, which is half the number of the Assembly. Each senator represents a larger area of the state. Senators serve four-year terms. They also vote on bills and help create new laws.
Who Leads the Legislature?
Each part of the legislature has its own leaders.
- The Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate.
- The Senate also has a President Pro Tem, who is chosen by the senators.
- The Assembly has a Speaker of the Assembly. This person is chosen by the Assembly members.
These leaders help guide discussions and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Where Do They Meet?
The California State Legislature meets in the historic California State Capitol building. This beautiful building is located in Sacramento, which is the capital city of California. It's where all the important debates and votes happen.
Images for kids
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This is the room where the California State Assembly members meet.
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This is the room where the California State Senate members meet.
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These books are called journals. They record everything that happens in the Senate (red books) and the Assembly (green books).
See also
In Spanish: Legislatura Estatal de California para niños
