North Carolina’s legislative branch
One of the most important — and sometimes misunderstood — parts of North Carolina’s government is the General Assembly, the state’s legislative branch. The North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA) is responsible for creating state laws, setting tax policy, and passing the state budget. It’s also the only branch of state government with constitutional authority to allocate state funds, impacting everything from public education and healthcare to environmental protection and infrastructure.
The Structure of the North Carolina General Assembly
The General Assembly is made up of two chambers: the North Carolina House of Representatives and the North Carolina Senate. Much like Congress at the federal level. Together, they deliberate, debate, and pass laws that affect every North Carolinian.
- The N.C. House of Representatives has 120 members, each serving a two‑year term.
- The N.C. Senate includes 50 members, who also serve two‑year terms.
Unlike the U.S. Senate, where only one‑third of members are up for election every two years, all members of the N.C. General Assembly elections are held every two years, giving voters regular opportunities to influence the direction of state policy making.
Key Responsibilities of the N.C. General Assembly
The General Assembly plays a central role in shaping the state’s priorities and laws. Its major duties include:
- Setting the State Budget and Tax Rates
- Legislators determine how North Carolina collects and spends its money, from education funding and teacher pay to road construction and public safety resources.
- Passing State Laws
- Members craft and vote on laws that govern a wide range of issues, including health regulations, environmental standards, and economic policies. Once passed, bills move to the governor for approval or veto.
- Overseeing State Agencies
- Lawmakers monitor and hold state departments accountable to ensure they operate efficiently and in accordance with legislative intent.
- Representing Citizens
- Legislators respond to constituents’ concerns, assist with state agency issues, and advocate for their community’s needs in Raleigh.
- Other Legislative Powers
- The House and Senate also have the authority to override a gubernatorial veto, elect members of the UNC Board of Governors, and, in the case of the House, initiate impeachment proceedings against state officials.
Cabarrus County and the General Assembly
For Cabarrus County voters, two legislative districts are especially relevant:
- N.C. Senate District 34
- N.C. House District 73, a 71‑square‑mile area primarily in central Cabarrus County
District 73 has experienced rapid growth — a 20% population increase since 2014 — and currently has an estimated population of 93,000. As of 2023, voter registration in Cabarrus County is approximately 33% Republican, 28% Democratic, and 37% unaffiliated (with the remainder registered with third parties).
After significant redistricting and population shifts, District 73 was realigned around Concord and flipped from Democratic to Republican control in 2024, reflecting the county’s evolving political landscape.
Why the General Assembly Matters to You
Decisions made in Raleigh shape daily life across the state, including:
- How much funding goes to public schools and community colleges
- Which roads and infrastructure projects get built
- How much do you pay in state taxes
- The laws that govern health, safety, and the environment
In short, the General Assembly directly affects our community’s quality of life and future growth. The North Carolina General Assembly is where laws begin, budgets are crafted, and the state’s priorities are set. Every two years, voters have the opportunity to elect representatives and senators who best reflect their values and vision for North Carolina’s future. Learn more about the N.C. General Assembly, N.C. House of Representatives, and N.C. Senate via their respective websites.
