Matt

=[|www.google.]= [|Gas taxation] [|Making Law's]

[|Mass.gov] [|legislative branch]

//House of Legislative- Michael A. Costello, Democrat, State House room 167//

1.why are there taxes- taxation (gas tax) Taxes is money paid to the federal, state and government's. If you dont pay your taxes you are breaking the law. You pay taxes because your federal state and local governments protect your saftey they build roads libraries. They also run schools and hospitals. Gas Tax- Governer Deval Patrick is planning on rasing gas prices another 19 cents the ninteen cents hike will push mass. to the tops in the nations for gas taxes. [|Gas taxes]

2.how are state law's made? __How a bill becomes a Law__ Step 1- Introducing the Bill Step 2- The committee stage, bill is studied and voted out Step 3- The debate, bill is debated and changes proposed Step 4- On to the Sentate, bill is passed by majority of members Step 5- Conference committee, bill is sent to senate committee Step 6- Senate Standing Committee, bill is studied and voted out Step 7- Senate floor, bill is debated and changes proposed Step 8- Conference committee, members of both both houses work out differences Step 9- Full Senate- bill is passed by majority of members Step 10- White House, bill goes to president for signature/Law

3.how are state leguilatures organized who are there members

4.identify three ways the people of the state made take direct part in lawmaking and government
 * **Initiative**- about half the state's allow initiatives in the making of new law's. suppose the people of a state want a new tougher law against drunk driver's.
 * **Referendums**- referendums force a state legislature to let the voters decide on a bill the legislature is considering.
 * **Recall**-About one forth of the states allow recalls by the people. In a recall the poeple remove an elected state official from office before his or her term is finished

5.how many legislatures are there? The Senate shall be composed of 50 Senators, biennially chosen by ballot. The House of Representatives shall be composed of 120 Representatives, biennially chosen by ballot.