Missouri Constitution Article III - Legislative Department
Missouri Constitution – Article III: Legislative Department
🔹 Overview:
Article III of the Missouri Constitution outlines the structure, powers, and procedures of the legislative branch, known as the General Assembly, which consists of:
The Senate
The House of Representatives
🔹 Key Sections & Provisions:
1. Composition and Terms
Senate: 34 members, elected for 4-year terms.
House of Representatives: 163 members, elected for 2-year terms.
Members must meet age, residency, and citizenship requirements.
2. Legislative Sessions
The General Assembly meets annually beginning in January.
Regular sessions adjourn by May 30, with exceptions for special or veto sessions.
3. Legislative Powers
Authority to make laws, levy taxes, appropriate funds, and regulate commerce, education, public safety, etc.
Power to override vetoes by a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
4. Lawmaking Process
Bills must be:
Introduced in either chamber.
Read three times on separate days.
Voted on and passed by both houses.
Signed (or vetoed) by the Governor.
5. Initiative and Referendum
Citizens can:
Initiate statutes or constitutional amendments via petition.
Refer laws passed by the legislature to a public vote.
6. Restrictions and Ethics
Laws must cover a single subject.
Legislators are prohibited from conflicts of interest.
No laws granting special privileges to individuals or corporations.
7. Redistricting
Procedures for apportioning legislative districts after the U.S. census.
Independent commissions may be involved in the process.
8. Impeachment Powers
The House can impeach public officials.
The Senate or a special commission tries impeachments.
🔹 Summary:
Article III establishes a bicameral legislature, outlines how laws are made, defines checks and balances within the legislative process, and provides avenues for direct democracy through initiatives and referendums. It also ensures ethical conduct and accountability of lawmakers.
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