Kansas Legislature facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kansas Legislature |
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| Type | |
| Type | |
| Houses | Senate House of Representatives |
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Term limits
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None |
| Leadership | |
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President of the Senate
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Susan Wagle, R
Since January 14, 2013 |
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Senate Vice President
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Jeff Longbine, R
Since January 9, 2017 |
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Speaker of the House
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Ron Ryckman Jr., R
Since January 9, 2017 |
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Speaker Pro Tem
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Blaine Finch, R
Since January 14, 2019 |
| Structure | |
| Seats | 165 voting members
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Senate political groups
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House political groups
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Length of term
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Senate: 4 years House: 2 years |
| Meeting place | |
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| Kansas State Capitol Topeka, Kansas |
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| Website | |
| www.kslegislature.org | |
The Kansas Legislature is the main law-making group for the U.S. state of Kansas. It is a bicameral legislature, which means it has two main parts. These parts are like two separate teams working together.
The two parts are the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate. The House of Representatives is the "lower house" and the Senate is the "upper house."
There are 125 state representatives in the House and 40 state senators in the Senate. Representatives are elected for two-year terms. Senators serve for four-year terms. These groups meet every year to discuss and create new laws for Kansas.
Contents
What is the Kansas Legislature?
The Kansas Legislature is the group of elected people who make laws for the state of Kansas. They meet in the Kansas State Capitol building in Topeka. Their decisions affect everyone living in Kansas. This includes rules about schools, roads, and how the state spends its money.
Two Houses of Government
The word "bicameral" means "two chambers." The Kansas Legislature is bicameral because it has two main parts:
- The Kansas House of Representatives has 125 members. They are called representatives.
- The Kansas Senate has 40 members. They are called senators.
Having two houses helps make sure that laws are carefully thought out. Both houses must agree on a bill before it can become a law.
Terms for Members
Members of the House of Representatives serve for two years. Senators serve for four years. This means that representatives are elected more often than senators. There are no limits on how many terms a person can serve.
How Laws Are Made
The Legislature meets in sessions each year. During these sessions, members propose new ideas for laws. These ideas are called bills. They discuss the bills and vote on them. If a bill passes both the House and the Senate, it goes to the Governor of Kansas. The Governor can sign the bill into law or veto it.
Leaders of the Legislature
Each house of the Kansas Legislature has its own leaders. These leaders help guide the work of their house. They make sure meetings run smoothly and that rules are followed.
Senate Leadership
The main leader of the Senate is the President of the Senate. This person is usually a senator chosen by the other senators. The current President of the Senate is Susan Wagle. There is also a Senate Vice President, who helps the President.
House Leadership
The main leader of the House of Representatives is the Speaker of the House. The current Speaker is Ron Ryckman Jr.. There is also a Speaker Pro Tem, who helps the Speaker. These leaders are very important for making sure the House works well.
Images for kids
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Planned Lecompton, Kansas, state capitol, unbuilt except for foundation
See also
In Spanish: Legislatura de Kansas para niños
