California is one of the largest states in the union, and the California legislature is often talked about on a national scale. However, what exactly is legislative government, and what makes state laws different from federal laws?
What is Legislative Government?
The legislature is responsible for making laws on both a federal and state level. On the feral level this branch of government is made up of the United States Congress. On a state level, the senate and general assembly members are usually responsible to delegating legislative, though this can differ in a few states.
Anyone can draw up a bill they wish to be instigated as a piece of legislation; however, in order for it to be considered it must receive sponsorship by a representative or senator. It can then be reviewed, amended, and voted upon. At the federal level, congress, and president hold the power to veto any bill, even if it receives majority support initially. These measures were put into place to ensure that no one branch of the government has too much power of control.
This is but a very brief overview, but it is a basis we can build off of. A state or federal legislature is essentially the body that is responsible for creating the laws that govern the nation, and individual states. For a comprehensive look at current California legislature this serves as the official site where you can view bill information, schedules, and even a video archive of the California senate.
The Difference Between State and Federal Laws
Federal law is what encompasses the entire United States, and the U.S. Constitution serves as the basis for all the laws written. State law is created to govern over that specific state and does not necessarily stand in neighboring states.This applies to residents, visitors, and companies that operate in that particular state. However, if there is a conflict between state and federal law, federal law overrules the state. In most instances federal law can serve as a basis to build off of on a state level.
Take the federal minimum wage for instance. The current wage is $7.25, and it has not increased since 2009; however, many individual states have implemented their own raises, or planned wages in order to better serve their residents; i.e. California’s minimum wage now sits at $11.00, which is one of the highest statewide in America under Washington D.C and Washington which have $13.25, and $11.50 respectably. When a state raises it wages, companies that operate in that state are required to comply and pay their workers the appropriate amount.
Stay Informed
The functions of government are in place to keep citizens of the country, and residents of the states both safe and happy. While we may not agree with all the laws in our state, or our country, we are able to vote to change them. Electing officials who we most share our beliefs with can lead to changes in legislature that we can better agree with. When it comes to getting new and even better laws passed, we can all do our part by staying informed, and turning out to vote in each and every election. While many people vote during major elections, such as for a president, it is just as important to vote during local and state elections. This way, we can do our part to make our state an even better place to live. Staying informed with California legislature is a good starting point to making the best choices on election day.