Tennessee

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Tennessees Constitution

• How a Bill becomes a law

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The Constitution TN vs US

• We the People of the United States, in Order to
  form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
  insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the
  common defense, promote the general Welfare, and
  secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and
  our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
  Constitution for the United States of America.

• That all power is inherent in the people, and
  all free governments are founded on their
  authority, and instituted for their peace,
  safety, and happiness for the advancement of
  those ends they have at all times, an unalienable
  and indefeasible right to alter, reform, or
  abolish the government in such manner as they
  think proper.

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Tennessee Constitution

• Adopted in 1870
• Amendments or changes to the Constitution can be
  made.
• Law makers or legislators can propose the
  amendment if a majority vote for it.
• Legislator has to get 2/3 majority
• A majority of people voting for governor must
  approve the amendment

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Another way to amend the Constitution

• Through Constitutional Convention
• If a majority of voters approve, a majority of
  the legislation can call for a convention
• Then must be approved by the majority of voters
  in statewide election.

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Some examples of Amendments

• There was a time when governors only served
  two-year terms, but that part of the Tennessee
  Constitution was changed to allow for four-year
  terms.

• And just a few years ago the constitution was
  changed to allow a lottery

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Crazy things in the TN Constitution

• Article IX, Section 3, prohibits people who have
  dueled from holding office.
• Take Article II, Section 22. The doors of each
  House and of committees of the whole shall be
  kept open, unless when the business shall be such
  as ought to be kept secret. Every year state
  legislators argue with reporters about whether
  this clause allows the legislature to have secret
  committee meetings during the closing days of the
  General Assembly.

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Im Just A Bill

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vouZTIqcvb30