Structure of the
National Assembly
National Assembly
How many chambers does the National Assembly of Belize have?
Two (House of Representatives and Senate)
Who presides over the House of Representatives?
The speaker of the House
Before a bill becomes law, it must be approved by the House of Representatives and which other body?
The Senate
how often are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Every 5 years
1963
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
31 members
Who presides over the Senate?
The President of the Senate
What happens to a bill after it passes both chambers?
It is sent to the Governor-General for assent
How are 31 constituencies of Belize Distributed georaphically?
Corozal(4), Orange Walk(4), Cayo(6), Belize City(10), Stann Creek(2), Toledo(2), Rural Belize(3)
Before independence, what was the National Assembly called?
Legislative Assembly
How many Senators are there in the Belize Senate?
13 members
Who appoints the Governor-General of Belize?
The Queen (currently represented by the British moarch)
How many readings must a bill go through in the House of Representatives?
Three readings
What voting system is used for the House of Representatives elections?
First-past-the-post
When did Belize gain Independence?
September 21, 1981
Name one method by which Senators are appointed.
By the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, NGOs, or other advisory bodies
How many Senators dosethe Prime Minister advise the Governor-General to appoint?
6 Senators
Can the National Assembly pass a law that is retroactive?
Yes, the Assembly can make laws with retroactive effect
Can members of the Senate be direclty elected by the public?
No, they are appointed
What material is the Mace of the National Assembly made from?
Mahogany
What is the primary functionof the Senate in Belize?
To ratify and confirm bills passed by the House of Representatives
Name the current speaker of the House of Reresentative (as of 2020)
Hon. Valerie Woods
Who drafts bills and legal documents for consideration by the National Assembly?
Legal draftsmen after cabinet approval
Which political party led to the first general election win in Belize?
The People's United Party (PUP)
Name one historical event depcited on the mace's head
Battle of STt. George's Caye 1798, first settlement 1638, or formation of Crown Colony 1871