How does the California State Assembly work?

How does the California State Assembly Work?

The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature, the legislative branch of the California state government. The Assembly, along with the California State Senate, is responsible for creating laws and establishing a state budget.

Membership

The Assembly is composed of 80 members, with each member representing at least 465,000 people. The members are elected to two-year terms, and all 80 seats are up for election every two years. Democrats currently hold a three-fourths supermajority of 62 seats, while Republicans control a minority of 18 seats.

Leadership

The Speaker of the Assembly presides over the chamber and controls the flow of legislation and committee assignments. The Speaker is elected by the majority party caucus. Other leaders, such as the majority and minority leaders, are elected by their respective party caucuses.

Terms of Office

Members of the Assembly are allowed to serve 12 years in the legislature in any combination of four-year State Senate or two-year State Assembly terms. However, members elected to the Legislature prior to 2012 are restricted to three two-year terms (six years).

Elections

Every two years, all 80 seats in the Assembly are subject to election. The elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.

Meeting Chamber

The Assembly convenes at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The chamber’s design is inspired by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.

Sources

FAQs

What is the California State Assembly?

The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature, the legislative branch of the California state government.

What are the responsibilities of the Assembly?

The Assembly, along with the California State Senate, is responsible for creating laws and establishing a state budget.

How many members are in the Assembly?

The Assembly is composed of 80 members, with each member representing at least 465,000 people.

How are members of the Assembly elected?

Members of the Assembly are elected to two-year terms, and all 80 seats are up for election every two years.

Who is the current Speaker of the Assembly?

The current Speaker of the Assembly is Robert Rivas (D).

What is the term of office for members of the Assembly?

Members of the Assembly are allowed to serve 12 years in the legislature in any combination of four-year State Senate or two-year State Assembly terms.

Where does the Assembly meet?

The Assembly convenes at the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

What is the design of the Assembly chamber inspired by?

The Assembly chamber’s design is inspired by the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.