State and local government vocabulary

Virginia General Assembly

The lawmaking body of Virginia, located in Richmond, consisting of the Senate and House of Delegates.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative body with two parts, like the U.S. Congress or Virginia’s General Assembly.

Virginia House of Delegates

The larger chamber of Virginia’s General Assembly with 100 elected members serving two-year terms.

Virginia Senate

The smaller chamber with 40 members serving four-year terms, led by the lieutenant governor.

Governor

The chief executive of Virginia, similar to a state-level president.

Lieutenant Governor

The second-highest executive, presiding over the Virginia Senate and next in line after the governor.

Attorney General

Virginia’s top legal officer, advising the governor and representing the state in legal matters.

Regulatory Agency

A state body enforcing specific laws, such as the Department of Wildlife Resources regulating fishing.

Cabinet (State Level)

A group of advisors to the governor, overseeing different government departments.

Virginia Supreme Court

The highest judicial authority in Virginia, with seven justices deciding state legal matters.

Richmond

The capital city of Virginia since 1783 and the center of state government.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Reserved Power Clause

A constitutional principle granting states authority over matters not assigned to the federal government.

Federal Mandate

A directive from the federal government requiring states to comply with regulations, often without funding.

Virginia Constitution

The governing document outlining Virginia’s government structure and citizens’ rights.

Board of Supervisors

The governing body overseeing county affairs in Virginia.

Ordinance

A local law passed by a city, county, or town government.

School Board

A local governing body managing K-12 public schools in a specific area.

Incorporated Town

A self-governing local unit smaller than a city but recognized by the state.

Town/City Council

An elected body that governs a town or city in Virginia.

Mayor

The executive leader of a city or town, responsible for local governance.

City Manager

A professional administrator appointed to manage the daily operations of a city or town.

City Charter

A document issued by the state that outlines the structure and powers of a city’s government.