California Constitution – Page 13

Formal Roles of Governor and Lt. Governor in Lawmaking

September 16, 2022 6:36 pmSeptember 16, 2022 6:41 pm

Both the California Governor and the Lieutenant Governor have formal roles in the lawmaking process, despite the fact that this authority is granted to the legislative branch of state government pursuant to Article IV of the California Constitution. Article IV,...

How Can a Higher Vote Threshold Be Imposed on Bills in the California Legislature?

September 15, 2022 5:05 pmSeptember 15, 2022 5:08 pm

The California Constitution, in Article IV, Section 8(b)(3), clearly states the following: “No bill may be passed unless, by rollcall vote entered in the journal, a majority of the membership of each house concurs.” As a result, in the state...

Why Do California Bills Have Certain Provisions?

September 11, 2022 3:09 pmSeptember 11, 2022 3:11 pm

Why do bills in the California Legislature contain certain provisions? I am sure some readers have asked that question at least once! Or so I tell myself. Here are some examples of what I mean with an explanation: Why does...

Appeals Court Will Allow Illegal Voters in SF Election this November

September 9, 2022 12:14 pm

The California Constitution is very clear on who is allowed to vote in state and local elections: “A United States citizen 18 years of age and resident in this State may vote.” In March 2022, California attorney James Lacy filed a...

Who Holds Greater Lawmaking Power: The Legislature or the People?

August 30, 2022 6:28 amAugust 30, 2022 6:33 am

Who holds more lawmaking power in California? Do elected members of the Legislature or the People of the state have greater lawmaking power? California’s Constitution provides the three branches of government, as well as the rights of direct democracy. Article...

Does a Legislative Resolution Prevail Over a Statute?

August 29, 2022 5:10 pmAugust 29, 2022 5:12 pm

The answer is obviously “no.” Or is it? According to the Office of Legislative Counsel, a statute is defined to be an enacted bill, which is chaptered by the Secretary of State. On the other hand, a resolution is used...

Do California’s Legislative Rules Have Constitutional Protection?

August 29, 2022 6:28 amAugust 29, 2022 6:34 am

Some readers have asked whether the Assembly Rules, Senate Rules, and Joint Rules of the Assembly and Senate have equal standing as constitutional provisions because those rules flow from a specific grant of authority. Specifically, Article IV, Section 7(a) provides:...