By: Sofia Ionescu | Voting |
The California State Senate is one of the 85 state legislative chambers holding elections in 2024. In the United States there are 99 chambers. You have probably wondered throughout the time who is the entity that suggests and enforces laws into the State Legislature. Alongside the California State Assembly and the governor of California, these institutions are the ones that establish new laws and a state budget. Their authority is in charge of passing bills on public policy matters, deciding whether or not they lower or raise the taxes and the spendings. Additionally, the Governor holds the “line item veto” authority, meaning that they can reduce or eliminate any appropriation of the U.S. Constitution found in proposed bills. The California State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Sacramento California. The State Senate has four main leaders: The Senate President, The Senate President pro tempore, a Majority leader and a Minority leader. The leadership of the Upper House is vested in the Senate President pro tempore who is elected by the other Senate members, while The Governor is The Senate President chosen by a casting vote. Administering a strong power in the Senate Chamber, the Majority leader fluctuates the legislation and protects the interests of the citizens and the party members. The minority leader is the one that develops the minority position, negotiates with the majority party, directs minority caucus activities and debate. Thus, the total number of members is 40, and they are elected every four years, most of them pertaining to the Democratic Party. When analyzing the Senate, we can foresee how the majority of voters, electing the members will influence decisions impacting our everyday lives. One question still remains, how are the Senate members elected? During presidential elections years, 2024 included, Senators are elected from the 80 State Assembly districts. This year, primary elections will be held on March 5, 2024 and the general elections on November 5, 2024 . The candidates are representing 39 odd districts. After learning about the California State Senate it is crucial for us to acknowledge that the Legislative branch represents our interests and the overall well being of the citizens. Even if they do not seem as influential as the presidential candidates, the state’s economy, health care and education system is dependent on the laws that are passed by Senate members.
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