The 1873 constitution, substantially reshaped by a constitutional convention in 1967–68, is the foundation of state government in Pennsylvania. Between 1968 and January 2003, 28 amendments had been adopted.
The general assembly consists of a 50-member senate, elected to staggered four-year terms, and a 203-member house of representatives, elected every two years. Each house meets annually, beginning in January, and there are no limits to the length of each session. Special sessions may be called by the majority petition of each house. To qualify for the general assembly, a person must have been a district resident for at least one year; senators must be at least 25 years old, representatives at least 21. The legislative salary was $61,889 in 2002.
As head of the executive branch and chief executive officer of the state, the governor of Pennsylvania has the power to appoint heads of administrative departments, boards, and commissions, to approve or veto legislation, to grant pardons, and to command the state's military forces. The governor, who may serve no more than two four-year terms in succession, must be a US citizen, be at least 30 years old, and have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least seven years before election. Elected with the governor is the lieutenant governor, who serves as president of the senate and chairman of the board of pardons, and assumes the powers of the governor if the governor becomes unable to continue in that office. In 2002, the governor's salary was $144,410.
Other state elected officials are the auditor general, who oversees all state financial transactions; the state treasurer, who receives and keeps records of all state funds; and the attorney general, who heads the Department of Justice. All other department heads, or secretaries, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by a majority of the senate.
A bill may be introduced in either house of the general assembly. After the measure is passed by majority vote in each house, the governor has 10 days including Sundays (or 30 days, including Sundays, if the legislature has adjourned) in which to sign it, refuse to sign it (in which case it automatically becomes law), or veto it. Vetoes may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the elected members of each house. A bill becomes effective 60 days after enactment.
A proposed constitutional amendment must be approved by a majority of both house and senate members in two successive legislatures before it can be placed on the ballot. If approved by a majority of the voters in a general election, the amendment then becomes part of the constitution.
To vote in state elections a person must be a US citizen for at least one month before the next election, at least 18 years old, and a resident of Pennsylvania and of the district for at least 30 days preceding the election. Restrictions apply to convicted felons.