Reference no: EM133907370

Assignment:

In Pennsylvania, the state constitution carefully structures power between the legislature and the governor. The General Assembly is a bicameral body with a 50-member Senate and 203 members in the House; it must pass legislation in both chambers before it goes to the governor. He may sign, veto, or allow bills to become law without signing. The governor also enjoys a line-item veto on appropriation bills. The legislature can override a package and a line-item veto with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. As of mid-2025, Pennsylvania features divided government: Governor Josh Shapiro (D) and the Democratic-controlled House, while Republicans control the Senate. This division tends to slow policymaking and requires compromise.

For example, Shapiro has had difficulty passing his education and energy plans through the legislature in full, although some co-sponsorship collaboration is underway on his "Lightning Plan." Pennsylvania also amended its constitution in May 2021 to limit gubernatorial emergency powers, allowing the legislature to end a state of emergency by majority vote and imposing a 21-day limit unless extended - reforms triggered by Governor Wolf's unilateral pandemic orders. positive response.