VOTE411 Voter Guide

Term: 4 yearsIn general, the functions of the State  Legislature (House & Senate) are to enact, amend, and repeal the laws of Tennessee. Some of the specific powers granted to the General Assembly by the state Constitution include: - The appropriation of all money to be paid out of the state treasury; - The levy and collection of taxes; and - The right to authorize counties and incorporated towns to levy taxes.The Senate is composed of 33 members who are elected to four-year terms of office. They are elected by the voters of their Senate legislative district. A senator must be a citizen of the United States, at least 30 years old, a citizen of Tennessee for at least three years and a resident of the county or district he represents for at least one year before the election. While Senate terms are for four years, approximately half of the senators run for office every two years by odd- and even-numbered districts. This is generally referred to as staggered terms.