{"id":841,"date":"2024-10-15T13:52:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T13:52:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/?post_type=chapter&p=841"},"modified":"2025-09-09T12:45:53","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T12:45:53","slug":"6-1-powers-functions","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/chapter\/6-1-powers-functions\/","title":{"rendered":"6.1 Powers & Functions of the House & Senate"},"content":{"raw":"
\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe Ohio General Assembly, composed of the House of Representatives and Senate, is the state\u2019s legislative branch and serves as the cornerstone of Ohio\u2019s government. Its broad powers and responsibilities are vital to shaping the policies, programs, and governance that affect the lives of all Ohioans. These powers can be grouped into several key areas, including lawmaking, budgeting, taxation, representation, and maintaining checks and balances within the state government.\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nFoundational Facts<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe powers of the Ohio General Assembly derive from Article II<\/a> ofthe Ohio Constitution, which grants the legislature broad authority to govern and serve the people of Ohio.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nLawmaking Powers<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe General Assembly\u2019s lawmaking powers are central to its role. It is responsible for drafting and enacting laws that regulate daily life, address critical issues, and shape the state\u2019s future. These laws cover a wide range of topics, such as public safety, education, healthcare, and business regulation. For example, the legislature establishes school funding formulas, regulates healthcare facilities, and sets standards for businesses operating within Ohio. Additionally, the General Assembly has the authority to propose amendments to the Ohio Constitution. These amendments, once approved by the legislature, are placed on the ballot for voter approval, allowing significant legal changes to reflect the will of Ohio\u2019s citizens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nBudget Creation<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nBudget creation is another critical responsibility of the General Assembly. Every two years, legislators develop and approve a biennial state budget that allocates resources to meet the needs of Ohioans. The budget is a blueprint for how public funds will be spent on essential services like education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. For example, the budget provides funding to ensure schools have the resources to educate students, supports law enforcement and emergency services, and maintains the state\u2019s roads and bridges. The budget process reflects the state\u2019s priorities and ensures that resources are managed responsibly to benefit Ohio\u2019s citizens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nTaxing Power<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nClosely related to budget creation is the General Assembly\u2019s taxing power, which is essential for generating the revenue needed to fund state operations. The legislature establishes tax policies, including income, sales, and property taxes, to provide the funds necessary for programs and services. Taxes are not just tools for revenue generation; they can also influence behavior and promote broader policy goals. For example, taxes on cigarettes are designed to discourage smoking, while tax incentives are often used to attract businesses.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n\r\nFoundational Facts: What Do We Mean by the Term \u201cPower of the Purse\u201d?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe term \u201cpower of the purse\u201d refers to the authority of a legislative body, like the Ohio General Assembly, to control public spending and taxation. This power is fundamental to representative government because it means that elected officials, not unelected leaders, determine how public money is collected and spent. By holding the purse strings, the legislature can shape policies, fund priorities, and serve as a check on the executive branch\u2019s power.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe term \u201cpower of the purse\u201d originates from the principles emphasized by the Founding Fathers during the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison both highlighted the importance of legislative control over finances in the Federalist Papers. In Federalist No. 58, Madison described the power of the purse as \u201cthe most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nRepresentation and Advocacy<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nAs representatives of the people, members of the General Assembly play a vital role in advocating for their constituents and ensuring their voices are heard in state government. Legislators address the concerns of their districts by proposing laws and policies that reflect local priorities. For example, a representative from a rural district might advocate for agricultural subsidies, while one from an urban area might focus on affordable housing initiatives. Public engagement is also an essential aspect of the legislature\u2019s work. Through public hearings, town halls, and other forums, citizens have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, share their opinions, and influence decision-making.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nMaintaining Checks and Balances<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\nThe General Assembly also has the important responsibility of maintaining checks and balances within Ohio\u2019s government. It reviews and monitors executive branch activities, a power called legislative oversight<\/strong>. The Senate confirms the governor\u2019s appointments to significant positions, such as agency heads and short-term judicial appointments, ideally ensuring that qualified individuals are chosen to serve the state. Additionally, the General Assembly has the power to impeach and remove state officials accused of wrongdoing. The House of Representatives initiates impeachment proceedings, and the Senate conducts the trial, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict and remove the official from office. These mechanisms ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful or acts outside the bounds of the law.\r\n
\r\n\r\nImpeachment<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn Ohio, impeachment is the process outlined in the state constitution for charging certain public officials, such as the governor, other executive officers, or judges, with misconduct while in office. The Ohio House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, meaning it brings the formal charges, similar to an indictment in criminal court. Impeachment does not itself remove the official from office but begins the process for possible removal.\r\n\r\nIn 2020, members of the Ohio House introduced articles of impeachment against Governor Mike DeWine over COVID-19 public health orders. The measure did not advance, but it demonstrated how the impeachment process can be initiated.\r\n\r\nRemoval<\/strong>\r\n\r\nRemoval occurs after impeachment if the Ohio Senate holds a trial and votes to convict the official by a two-thirds majority. A conviction results in the official being removed from office before their term ends. The Ohio Constitution also allows for other removal methods, such as recall elections for local officials in some cities, or judicial proceedings under state law for officials who neglect their duties, commit misconduct, or become unable to serve.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nThe powers and functions of the Ohio General Assembly are foundational to the state\u2019s governance. By creating laws, managing the budget, generating revenue, representing citizens, and maintaining checks and balances, the legislature shapes Ohio\u2019s policies and ideally helps state government to operate effectively and responsibly.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"
\n
\n

The Ohio General Assembly, composed of the House of Representatives and Senate, is the state\u2019s legislative branch and serves as the cornerstone of Ohio\u2019s government. Its broad powers and responsibilities are vital to shaping the policies, programs, and governance that affect the lives of all Ohioans. These powers can be grouped into several key areas, including lawmaking, budgeting, taxation, representation, and maintaining checks and balances within the state government.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Foundational Facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The powers of the Ohio General Assembly derive from Article II<\/a> ofthe Ohio Constitution, which grants the legislature broad authority to govern and serve the people of Ohio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Lawmaking Powers<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The General Assembly\u2019s lawmaking powers are central to its role. It is responsible for drafting and enacting laws that regulate daily life, address critical issues, and shape the state\u2019s future. These laws cover a wide range of topics, such as public safety, education, healthcare, and business regulation. For example, the legislature establishes school funding formulas, regulates healthcare facilities, and sets standards for businesses operating within Ohio. Additionally, the General Assembly has the authority to propose amendments to the Ohio Constitution. These amendments, once approved by the legislature, are placed on the ballot for voter approval, allowing significant legal changes to reflect the will of Ohio\u2019s citizens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Budget Creation<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Budget creation is another critical responsibility of the General Assembly. Every two years, legislators develop and approve a biennial state budget that allocates resources to meet the needs of Ohioans. The budget is a blueprint for how public funds will be spent on essential services like education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance. For example, the budget provides funding to ensure schools have the resources to educate students, supports law enforcement and emergency services, and maintains the state\u2019s roads and bridges. The budget process reflects the state\u2019s priorities and ensures that resources are managed responsibly to benefit Ohio\u2019s citizens.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Taxing Power<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Closely related to budget creation is the General Assembly\u2019s taxing power, which is essential for generating the revenue needed to fund state operations. The legislature establishes tax policies, including income, sales, and property taxes, to provide the funds necessary for programs and services. Taxes are not just tools for revenue generation; they can also influence behavior and promote broader policy goals. For example, taxes on cigarettes are designed to discourage smoking, while tax incentives are often used to attract businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n

Foundational Facts: What Do We Mean by the Term \u201cPower of the Purse\u201d?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The term \u201cpower of the purse\u201d refers to the authority of a legislative body, like the Ohio General Assembly, to control public spending and taxation. This power is fundamental to representative government because it means that elected officials, not unelected leaders, determine how public money is collected and spent. By holding the purse strings, the legislature can shape policies, fund priorities, and serve as a check on the executive branch\u2019s power.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The term \u201cpower of the purse\u201d originates from the principles emphasized by the Founding Fathers during the creation of the U.S. Constitution. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison both highlighted the importance of legislative control over finances in the Federalist Papers. In Federalist No. 58, Madison described the power of the purse as \u201cthe most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Representation and Advocacy<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

As representatives of the people, members of the General Assembly play a vital role in advocating for their constituents and ensuring their voices are heard in state government. Legislators address the concerns of their districts by proposing laws and policies that reflect local priorities. For example, a representative from a rural district might advocate for agricultural subsidies, while one from an urban area might focus on affordable housing initiatives. Public engagement is also an essential aspect of the legislature\u2019s work. Through public hearings, town halls, and other forums, citizens have the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, share their opinions, and influence decision-making.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Maintaining Checks and Balances<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The General Assembly also has the important responsibility of maintaining checks and balances within Ohio\u2019s government. It reviews and monitors executive branch activities, a power called legislative oversight<\/strong>. The Senate confirms the governor\u2019s appointments to significant positions, such as agency heads and short-term judicial appointments, ideally ensuring that qualified individuals are chosen to serve the state. Additionally, the General Assembly has the power to impeach and remove state officials accused of wrongdoing. The House of Representatives initiates impeachment proceedings, and the Senate conducts the trial, requiring a two-thirds vote to convict and remove the official from office. These mechanisms ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful or acts outside the bounds of the law.<\/p>\n

\n

Impeachment<\/strong><\/p>\n

In Ohio, impeachment is the process outlined in the state constitution for charging certain public officials, such as the governor, other executive officers, or judges, with misconduct while in office. The Ohio House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach, meaning it brings the formal charges, similar to an indictment in criminal court. Impeachment does not itself remove the official from office but begins the process for possible removal.<\/p>\n

In 2020, members of the Ohio House introduced articles of impeachment against Governor Mike DeWine over COVID-19 public health orders. The measure did not advance, but it demonstrated how the impeachment process can be initiated.<\/p>\n

Removal<\/strong><\/p>\n

Removal occurs after impeachment if the Ohio Senate holds a trial and votes to convict the official by a two-thirds majority. A conviction results in the official being removed from office before their term ends. The Ohio Constitution also allows for other removal methods, such as recall elections for local officials in some cities, or judicial proceedings under state law for officials who neglect their duties, commit misconduct, or become unable to serve.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The powers and functions of the Ohio General Assembly are foundational to the state\u2019s governance. By creating laws, managing the budget, generating revenue, representing citizens, and maintaining checks and balances, the legislature shapes Ohio\u2019s policies and ideally helps state government to operate effectively and responsibly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":511,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-841","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":44,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/841","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/511"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/841\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2762,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/841\/revisions\/2762"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/44"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/841\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=841"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=841"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=841"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu\/statelocalgov\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=841"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}