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Michigan Legislature
Michigan's Legislature is a full time, bicameral legislature. This means there
are two chambers - the Senate, located in the south wing, second floor, of
the State Capitol and a House of Representatives located in the north wing,
second floor. Today's Legislature is comprised of 148 districts electing 110
State Representatives and 38 Senators. The 2007-2008 Legislature is the 94rd
in Michigan's history.
Districts are reapportioned every ten years following the federal census so
that each representative and senatorial district has as nearly equal population
as possible. Due to an amendment to the constitution adopted by the voters,
state representatives are limited to three two-year terms (six years) in the
House of Representatives, and state senators to two four-year terms (eight
years) in the Michigan Senate.
During a two-year session, the Legislature will introduce approximately 3,500
bills - 600-800 of these will become law.
The enactment of laws is guided by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, which also
permits the citizenry to force enactment of laws, or reject some laws passed
by the legislature through the process of petition submitted to the electorate
at the next general election or special election as set forth by the Legislature.
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