North Carolina General Assembly

North Carolina Senate following the 2020 election

North Carolina House 2022

Tryon Palace

North Carolina State House watercolor by Glennie

North Carolina State House - William Goodacre

North Carolina State Capitol, Raleigh

North Carolina Legislative Office Building

The North Carolina General Assembly is the bicameral legislature of the U.S. state of North Carolina. It consists of two chambers: the North Carolina House of Representatives and the North Carolina Senate. The General Assembly meets in the North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh.

History

The North Carolina General Assembly was established in 1776, following the adoption of the first North Carolina Constitution. The structure and powers of the General Assembly have evolved over time, with significant changes occurring during the Reconstruction era and the Civil Rights Movement.

Structure

The General Assembly is divided into two chambers:

• The North Carolina House of Representatives: This chamber consists of 120 members who are elected for two-year terms. Each member represents a specific legislative district.
• The North Carolina Senate: This chamber consists of 50 members who are also elected for two-year terms. Each senator represents a larger legislative district compared to the House.

Leadership

The leadership of the General Assembly includes:

• The Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who presides over the House.
• The President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate, who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Lieutenant Governor.

Functions

The primary functions of the General Assembly include:

• Passing laws: The General Assembly drafts, debates, and passes laws that govern the state.
• Approving the state budget: The General Assembly is responsible for creating and approving the state budget.
• Oversight of the executive branch: The General Assembly monitors and oversees the activities of the Governor and other executive branch officials.

Sessions

The General Assembly meets in regular sessions starting in January of each odd-numbered year. Special sessions can be called by the Governor or by a joint resolution of the General Assembly.

Committees

The General Assembly operates through a system of standing committees and select committees. These committees review proposed legislation and make recommendations to the full chambers.

Related Pages

• North Carolina House of Representatives
• North Carolina Senate
• North Carolina State Legislative Building
• Governor of North Carolina
• Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
• North Carolina Constitution
• Reconstruction era
• Civil Rights Movement