Pennsylvania Constitution Article II.
Pennsylvania Constitution – Article II: The Legislature
Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution outlines the structure, powers, organization, and procedures of the state legislature, officially called the General Assembly. The General Assembly consists of two chambers:
The Senate
The House of Representatives
Key Sections of Article II:
Section 1 – Legislative Power
Legislative power is vested in the General Assembly.
Section 2 – Election of Members; Vacancies
Members are elected by citizens; vacancies are filled by election as directed by law.
Section 3 – Terms of Members
Senators: 4-year terms
Representatives: 2-year terms
Section 4 – Sessions
Regular sessions begin annually on the first Tuesday of January.
Section 5 – Qualifications of Members
Senators must be at least 25; Representatives at least 21; must be citizens and residents of their district for one year.
Section 6 – Ineligibility During Term
Legislators cannot be appointed to civil office created or with increased pay during their term.
Section 7 – Ineligibility of Certain Officials
Judges and civil officers cannot serve in the legislature.
Section 8 – Organization of the General Assembly
Each house elects its officers and judges elections of its members.
Section 9 – Powers of Impeachment
House has the sole power to impeach; Senate tries all impeachments.
Section 10 – Quorum; Adjournments
A majority constitutes a quorum; fewer members may adjourn day-to-day.
Section 11 – Legislative Procedure
Rules for bills, voting requirements, and procedures.
Section 12 – Powers of Each House
Each house can determine rules, punish members, and expel a member with a two-thirds vote.
Section 13 – Compensation
Salaries are determined by law.
Section 14 – Legislative Districts
Provides for the apportionment of seats based on population.
Section 15 – Bribery in Elections
Disqualifies those convicted of bribery or corrupt practices.
Section 16 – Appropriations Bills
All appropriations bills must be passed before money is spent.
Section 17 – Restrictions on Legislation
Prohibits special laws where general laws can apply.
Section 18 – Local and Special Legislation
Lists topics where special legislation is prohibited (e.g., regulating county affairs, changing court procedures, etc.).
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