sents a larger number of people than a representative.

Senators are chosen for terms of six years. Elections are held every three years, but only one-half the number of the Senate are elected at each election; the other half continues in office until the next election. In this way the Senate is composed of both experienced and new members.

The qualifications of an elective member of the Senate are that he must be a qualified voter, over thirty years of age, able to read and write either the English or Spanish language, a resident of the Philippines for at least two consecutive years, and an actual resident of the senatorial district from which chosen for at least a year immediately prior to his election.

A

The Senate chooses a presiding officer called the President of the Senate, a secretary, and other officers. special power of the Senate is to confirm appointments. made by the Governor-General.

177. Legislative Power.-The Philippine Legislature has general power except as restricted by the Jones Law and other Acts of Congress. Some restrictions on the power of the Philippine Legislature are as follows: (1) it cannot diminish, although it may increase, the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Courts of First Instance; (2) it cannot amend, alter, or repeal the provisions regarding appointive senators and representatives; (3) it cannot legislate on the tariff relations between the Philippines and the United States; that is left exclusively in the hands of Congress; (4) it cannot abolish the Bureaus of Education and Non-Christian Tribes, or the Philippine Health Service; (5) it cannot

take executive functions from out of the supervision of the Governor-General; (6) it cannot levy export duties; (7) it cannot violate the provisions of the bill of rights; (8) it must follow certain forms in the drafting of bills; (9) Congress reserves the power to alter, amend, or repeal any law passed by the Philippine Legislature; (10)

PRESIDENT QUEZON PRESIDING OVER THE SENATE

the Governor-General and, in some cases, the President, can veto bills.

The Legislature passes many laws at each session. One of its most important powers is the appropriation of

money.

178. The Enactment of a Law.--In exercising its power, the Legislature, being composed of so many members, cannot easily come to agreement. Let us notice, therefore, how the Legislature passes a law.

A representative, after careful preparation, introduces in the House a proposed measure called a "bill." Or the representative may introduce a bill prepared by private individuals or organizations who wish to have it passed. A senator can do the same. Every bill should explain in simple and clear language its purpose and subject. The bill is "introduced" by handing it to the secretary. The bill is given its "first reading" and is then sent to the proper committee, who study the bill in detail. This committee usually gives people interested in the passage of the bill an opportunity to be heard. The committee may decide that the bill is unwise or unnecessary, and may never report the bill to the House or it may report it, advising the House not to pass it. But again the committee may report the bill favorably as it is, or with certain changes or additions, recommending the House to pass it. In this case the bill is then given its "second reading." The House discusses the bill informally in a meeting of the members or formally in open session. The speakers commonly use the Spanish language, although English has been used. After a "third reading" and further discussion, a vote is taken viva voce (by voice), by division (rising vote), or by yeas and nays. If the nays are stronger, the bill is lost; if the yeas have it, the bill is passed. After being signed by the Speaker, the bill is presented to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate follows the same procedure as the House, of study by a committee, report, discussion, and vote. A committee of the Senate may not report the bill, or the Senate may not pass it. Then the bill does not become a

law, for the agreement of both Houses is necessary for the enactment of a law. If the Senate passes the bill when it comes to them from the House, it must then be presented to the Governor-General for his consideration. If the Senate changes the bill or adds to it in any way the two houses must each appoint a conference committee to discuss the bill in its new form. If the two houses can

not agree, the bill is not passed. passed.

If they agree, the bill is

Then the bill goes to the Governor-General to receive his approval, unless it is a bill concerning one of the few special subjects which require the approval of the President of the United States. The Governor-General can do one of three things. If he signs the bill, it becomes a law. If he takes no action within a period of twenty days, Sundays excepted, it likewise becomes a law. If he does not approve of the bill, he can veto it; that is, he refuses to allow the bill to become a law. If he vetoes the bill, it goes back to the houses for reconsideration. It can then be repassed by a two-thirds vote. If the Governor-General does not approve it, the President of the United States has final and absolute power of approval or disapproval. When a bill is finally passed, it is called an “act" or a "law."

All this seems complicated, but it will be clear to you if you will follow slowly and carefully the different steps through which a bill must pass before it is enacted as a law.