The Legislative Branch is the largest in Youth and Government, made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. These two legislative bodies will have Public Hearing, a Committee Work Session, Floor Debate and Vote one the Bills submitted. The parliamentary procedures and processes used by the real Maine Legislature are mirrored as closely as is practical during the Youth and Government Weekend.
The Legislative Branch has the most leadership Roles in Youth and Government. There are many opportunities for both 1st year and experienced participants to take a leadership position!
Roles in the House and Senate are elected or appointed. Most Senate Roles require prior Youth and Government experience while most House Roles do not. The majority of delegates will become members of the House of Representatives.
Role in the Legislative Process
The Legislative Branch works together to hear Bills through:
- Committee: Where Bills start the process of becoming law (or not).
- Nine standing committees reflect government agencies, such as transportation, housing, and human services
- First the Committees will hold a Public Hearing,
- Second, they will conduct a Work Session to develop their recommendation on a Bill before it is presented on the floors of the House and Senate.
- House and Senate Floor: From the Floor of Maine’s actual House and Senate Chambers, Bills are heard and debated. Amendments to achieve compromise may be offered. All Bills must be passed in the exact same form (same exact words, including amendments) in both Chambers before moving to the Governor to be signed into law.
- Committees are a great opportunity to practice public speaking! A small audience will hear your speech supporting or opposing a Bill.
