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{{Government Lectures}}

{{Government Lectures}}

In the United States and in 49 out of 50 states there is a "bicameral" legislature, which means there are '''''two''''' legislative bodies.  In Congress this legislature consists of the separate entities (or chambers) of the House of Representatives and the Senate.  State legislatures usually have a Senate but often use a different name for their other legislative body. In New Jersey the equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives is called the "Assembly".  Usually the term of office for the Senate is longer, and thus considered more desirable by politicians, than the term of office for the House (or Assembly).  Nebraska has a "unicameral" legislature: only one legislative body rather than two.

 

In the United States and in 49 out of 50 states there is a "bicameral" legislature, which means there are '''''two''''' legislative bodies.  In Congress this legislature consists of the separate entities (or chambers) of the House of Representatives and the Senate.  State legislatures usually have a Senate but use different name for their more democratic legislative body in New Jersey the equivalent of the U.S. House of Representatives is called the "Assembly".  Nebraska has a "unicameral" legislature: only one body rather than two.

When one political party controls one legislative body and the other political party controls the other legislative body or the executive branch, then this is called "divided government."  While some complain that it is harder to enact laws when there is divided government, others observes that divided government makes each side more responsive to the public.  Competition is usually a good thing in bringing out the best for everyone.

When one political party controls one legislative body and the other political party controls the other legislative body or the executive branch, then this is called "divided government."  While some complain that it is harder to enact laws when there is divided government, others observes that divided government makes each side more responsive to the public.  Competition is usually a good thing in bringing out the best for everyone.