Legislative Branch

The legislative branch of the Kentucky State Government writes and establishes laws and creates services to benefit the Commonwealth. Sometimes this is a very slow process because the legislators want to make sure that they have thoroughly researched, studied, and investigated every aspect of the bill that they are discussing. Though disagreements can and do arise among the legislators, this conflict helps to guarantee that new laws are in the best interest of all Kentuckians. To learn more about creating Kentucky laws, click here.

The primary legislative body is the Kentucky General Assembly. The General Assembly consists of two houses of elected legislators: the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are 100 representatives and 38 senators, each representing parts of the state called districts. The General Assembly meets every year to discuss and vote on bills and other matters relevant to both the constituents from their districts and the state as a whole.

In addition to the General Assembly, the legislative branch includes the:

Legislative Research Commission
Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission
Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center

	FAQ
	How do the legislators know what issues matter most to Kentuckians? The legislators have a good understanding of what their constituents need, but you can also keep them informed with letters and emails. You must be 18 years old to vote, but you can let your opinion be known at any age by contacting your government officials. Click here to find out more about the General Assembly and to learn how to contact your legislator.

	Vocabulary
	constituent: a citizen or voter in the area that an elected official represents district: an area of the state that a legislator represents legislator: an elected official who participates in creating and enacting laws

Last Updated 10/14/2009

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