Vermont General Assembly
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The Legislature of Vermont is the U.S. state of Vermont's legislative branch, seated at the state's capital, Montpelier. The Legislature is formally known as the "General Assembly," but the style of "Legislature" is commonly used, even by the body's own website (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/). The Legislature is bicameral, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The House of Representatives consists of one-hundred and fifty members elected by single and two member districts. Sixty-six districts choose one member, and forty-two choose two, the term of service being two years. The Senate includes thirty Senators, elected by thirteen multi-member districts Legislative elections are held in November of every even-numbered year. Assemblymen serve two-year terms, while Senators serve four-year terms. One must be a resident of the state for the two years, and of the legislative district for the one year, immediately preceding the election in order to qualify for either house.
The House is headed by the Speaker, while the Senate is headed by the by the State's Lieutenant Governor as the Senate President. The Senate President has only a casting vote. More often, the Senate is presided over by the President pro tempore, or temporary President.
The Legislature is empowered to make law, subject to the Governor's power to veto a bill. However, the veto may be overriden by the Legislature if there is a two-thirds majority in favor of overriding in each House. Furthermore, the Legislature has the power to propose Constitutional amendments. An amendment may only be proposed by a two-thirds majority in the Senate and a majority in the House. The proposed amendment is then considered by the people at a referendum. Amendments may only be proposed once in four years.
The Legislature is notable for being the only state legislature in the United States with a significant third-party presence. Six members of the House belong to the Vermont Progressive Party, a left-wing party based in Burlington.