Senate Chamber Presentations
Prior to Your Visit
Embedded Files
Select a student to serve as Presiding Officer
This student will use the gavel, a touch screen computer and must call on their classmates during the last half of your visit. The selected student should be able to speak clearly, stand for at least 20 minutes and pronounce the names and localities of current Senators. Other members of the class will take direction from this student with the assistance of a staff member, at a relatively quick pace. They will be placed at the upper podium, a location accessible via stairs.
Preview speaking points
Presiding Officer FINAL.pdfSelect a student to serve as Clerk
This student will use a touch screen computer and may be asked to verbally announce a vote. The selected student should be able to read well and speak clearly. They will be placed at the lower podium, a location accessible via stairs.
Preview speaking points
Clerk FINAL.pdfAssign additional speaking parts (optional but encouraged)
There will also be four additional speaking parts, all of which will be brief, for President Pro tempore, Majority Leader, Minority Leader and Senator. You may assign those in advance, or we will assign those at random.
Preview speaking points
President Pro tempore
President Pro tempore FINAL.pdfPreview speaking points
Majority Leader
Majority Leader FINAL.pdfPreview speaking points
Minority Leader
Minority Leader FINAL.pdfPreview speaking points
Senator
Senator FINAL.pdfReview the process by which a bill becomes a law
During the bill debate portion of the chamber presentation, the group will be presented with a Senate bill. They will be guided by staff on how to move the bill through three readings to final passage.
HBBL1.pdfHBBL2.pdfHBBL3.pdfHBBL4.pdfHBBL5.pdfHBBL6.pdfReview other basic information
Virginia has 40 Senate districts and 40 state Senators.
Virginia has 100 House districts and 100 state Delegates.
There are three statewide elected officials: Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.
Virginia is a part-time, citizen legislature. Senators and Delegates have full time jobs as every day citizens outside of their elected office duties.
Emphasize active participation during the presentation (when prompted)
Remind the class this is a participatory visit, especially the portion during which they will be presented with a topic to debate amongst themselves. Regardless of the chosen subject matter, they should be prepared to make remarks. For example, “S.B. 1. A BILL pertaining to the use of wireless communications devices while driving; prohibited.” What would be the benefits? What would be the negatives? Who are the stakeholders (those who would be directly affected)?
Page updated
Report abuse