New Jersey Constitution Article IV (Legislative)
New Jersey Constitution – Article IV: The Legislature
📜 Overview:
Article IV of the New Jersey Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch of the state government. It defines the structure, powers, and procedures of the legislature, which is responsible for making state laws.
🔑 Key Provisions of Article IV:
Bicameral Legislature:
The Legislature consists of two houses:
Senate
General Assembly
Composition and Election:
The Senate is composed of members elected from legislative districts for terms specified by law.
The General Assembly is similarly elected, but with different term lengths.
Legislative districts are apportioned based on population to ensure equal representation.
Qualifications:
Sets qualifications for legislators, such as age, residency, and voter registration.
Legislative Sessions:
Defines the times the Legislature convenes.
Includes provisions for regular and special sessions.
Legislative Powers:
Grants the Legislature power to enact laws, appropriate funds, and exercise oversight over the executive branch.
Includes authority over state budget and taxation.
Legislative Procedure:
Establishes rules for how bills are introduced, debated, and passed.
Requires that bills be read on three separate days before final passage.
Allows for veto override procedures by the Governor.
Legislative Officers:
Provides for the selection of legislative leaders such as the Senate President and Assembly Speaker.
Compensation and Immunity:
Legislators receive compensation as determined by law.
Provides immunity from arrest during sessions except for serious crimes.
🧭 Purpose and Impact:
Article IV ensures a representative government with checks and balances through a bicameral system.
It protects legislative independence and accountability.
Supports the rule of law and democratic governance in New Jersey.
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