Pennsylvania Government Facts and Legislative Process

Pennsylvania Facts

• In 1722, Benjamin Franklin arrived in Philadelphia.

• During the Revolution (1775-1783), Philadelphia served as the capital of the USA at times.

• The capital of Pennsylvania moved from Philadelphia to Lancaster, then to Harrisburg in 1812.

Pennsylvania Flag

• The flag features the state's coat of arms on a deep blue background.

• Coat of arms symbols:

  • Ship: Represents Pennsylvania's global trade.

  • Plow: Represents Pennsylvania's natural resources.

  • Wheat and Corn: Represent Pennsylvania's wealth.

  • Olive Branch: Represents peace and prosperity.

• State motto: "Virtue, Liberty and Independence."

Pennsylvania Statistics

• 5th largest state by population: 12.9 million.

• 9th by population density.

• 32nd by square miles.

How a Bill Becomes Law in Pennsylvania

• Initial Steps: The bill needs to go through the Senate after passing the House.

• Committee, caucus, and 3 considerations on Senate Floor.

• Senate Appraisal:

  • Members vote "Yeah" or "Nay" (abstentions not allowed).

  • Requires a Constitutional Majority to pass (102 or more).

• If the House DOES NOT agree with the change, the bill goes to a Conference Committee

  • A joint, bipartisan committee with 6 members.

  • Attempts to find a compromise.

• Agreement and Signing:

  • Once both houses agree, the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate sign the bill.

  • The President Pro Tempore of the Senate is a Senator elected to be their presiding officer in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor

• Governor's Role: The bill is evaluated by the Governor, who has four options:

  • Sign the bill into law.

  • Permit the bill to become law without signing it (after 10 days).

  • "Pocket Veto"

  • Reject it with a veto.

    • The General Assembly can override a veto with a 2/3 majority in both houses.

      • House: 136 votes needed.

      • Senate: 34 votes needed.

  • Line item veto specific items.

    • General Assembly can also override these.

• Final Steps:

  • Bill is given a new number (ACT) and a new title.

  • It becomes an "Act of the General Assembly."

  • The bill becomes official law in PA.

  • It remains law as long as it serves the public well and complies with the Constitution.

  • It can be repealed or declared unconstitutional.

House Procedures

• Second Day:

  • Entire House discusses the bill.

  • Amendments may be offered.

• Third Day:

  • Full debate and vote on passage by all members.

  • Time is allowed for all members to debate and offer opinions.

  • Members vote from their desk by electronic roll call.

• No debate, no amendments; bill is tabled for up to 15 “legislative days”

Legislative Powers

• Quorum Requirements: A majority must be present to conduct business.

  • House: 102 of 203 members.

  • Senate: 26 of 50 members.

• Powers of the Legislature:

  • Passage of laws

  • Amendments

  • Approve the budget

  • Determine rules of its proceedings

  • Punish its members

  • Enforce obedience to its process

  • Protect its members

  • Expulsion

  • Reapportionment (Commission after each Census)

  • Maintain and support a system of public education

  • Organize and maintain the Commonwealth National Guard