Glossary

G O L D D O M E

The Georgia State Capitol Building is also known as the Gold Dome. You will often here people say "Under the Gold Dome" when refering to activities that take place there.

H O U S E

The U.S. House of Representatives makes and passes laws. The House is one of Congress's two chambers and a part of the Legislative branch. There are no more than 435 elected Representatives, proportionally representing the 50 states. There are also 6 non-voting members, representing D.C., Puerto Rico, and the 4 other territories.

S E N A T E

The Senate is composed of 100 Senators, 2 for each state. The Senate makes up Congress's second chamber and is also a part of the Legislative branch. The Vice-President serves as the President of the Senate and may cast the devisive vote if a tie presides.

S E N A T O R

Elected Senators serve six-year terms. Senators' terms are staggered so that about ⅓ of the Senate is up for re-election every two years. Senators must be 30 years of age, U.S. citizens for at least 9 years, and residents of the state they represent.

R E P R E S E N T A T I V E

Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state, but not necessarily the district, they represent.

G E O R G I A A S S E M B L Y

The Georgia General Assembly is the state legislature of Georgia. It is composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. They meet from the 2nd Monday of January - for 40 days - typically ending in April. They set the state's annual budget and propose laws on various topics impacting the residents of Georgia.