Alabama Constitution Section 51 - Election of president pro tem. of senate and speaker of house of representatives; temporary president and speaker; officers of each house; each house judge of election, returns and qualifications of members.
Alabama Constitution – Section 51:
📜 Official Text:
"The senate, at the beginning of each regular session, and at such other times as may be necessary, shall elect one of its members president pro tempore thereof; and the house of representatives, at the beginning of each regular session, and at such other times as may be necessary, shall elect one of its members as speaker; and each house shall choose its own officers, and shall judge of the election, returns, and qualifications of its members."
🧾 Explanation:
Section 51 of the Alabama Constitution defines the internal governance procedures of the Alabama Legislature, particularly the Senate and the House of Representatives.
✅ Key Provisions:
President Pro Tempore of the Senate:
Elected by the Senate.
Chosen at the start of each regular session and whenever needed.
Acts as the temporary presiding officer when the Lieutenant Governor (the usual presiding officer) is absent.
Speaker of the House:
Elected by the House of Representatives.
Also chosen at the beginning of each regular session and as necessary.
Serves as the leader and presiding officer of the House.
Selection of Other Officers:
Each legislative chamber chooses its own clerks, sergeants-at-arms, and other officers.
Judging Members:
Each house has the authority to judge the elections, returns, and qualifications of its own members.
This includes resolving disputes about who was properly elected or whether someone meets constitutional requirements to serve.
🏛️ Purpose and Significance:
Ensures self-governance of each legislative chamber.
Protects the separation of powers by allowing each house to handle its own internal matters.
Promotes legislative independence and fair procedure in leadership elections and member qualifications.
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