Rhode Island. General Assembly (1643-)
Organization
Dates
- Existence: 1643-
Historical Note
The first governments established in Rhode Island began as written agreements between the original settlers of Providence (1636), Portsmouth (1638) Newport (1639). While such agreements were suitable early on a more organized, centralized form of government became necessary as the colony expanded. The origins of current General Assembly date from 1643, when the first Parliamentary Charter or Patent confirming uniting the three original towns under the title “the Incorporation of Providence Plantations in the Narragansett Bay in New England” was obtained from England. On or about that year a fourth settlement at Warwick was established. Convening for the first time as a single body at Portsmouth in May 1647, representatives of the several towns formulated a set rules orders for the colony including an annual meeting of a “Courte of Election”, the establishment of the office of President of the Province and the adoption of a code of laws. However this early iteration of a centralized colonial government functioned more like a town meeting than a cohesive legislative body as most of the power was still vested with the towns. Soon other factors including territorial disputes by internal external forces as well as the restoration of the Stuart dynasty in England in 1660 brought into doubt the validity of the 1643 Patent. By 1663, a second Royal Charter was obtained from King Charles II, which firmly established the "English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England, in America." Under the Charter the title of “General Assembly” came into being which initially was organized as a unicameral body. The document provided for the election of Deputies and Assistants (former titles of current Representatives and Senators) who were chosen from among the Freeman of the colony with each having one vote to act as direct representatives of their towns. The Charter also provided for a more central governmental hierarchy with the establishment of offices of Governor, Deputy Governor and ten Assistants to manage and lead the colony. Elections were held of the first Wednesday in May and last Wednesday in October annually. In 1696 the legislature became a bicameral body with the creation of the House of Deputies or Lower House House of Magistrates or Upper House. The position of Speaker of the House of Deputies was also established at that time.
Currently, the Rhode Island legislature is still a bicameral body constituting a seventy – five (75) member House of Representatives and a thirty – eight (38) member Senate which convenes on the first Tuesday in January annually. Leadership consists of a Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate who are chosen from among their membership. The General Assembly is responsible for all proposed legislation as well as the enactment of laws both of a public and private nature. The assembly also confirms judicial nominations and the appointment of heads of various State departments boards and has general subpoena power in civil cases. Other responsibilities include the office of the Auditor General which provides independent evaluations of government programs, Legislative Council which is charged with obtaining information on the operation of state government and of making studies concerning legislative issue and the office of Law Revision which is responsible for consolidating, compiling, editing, printing binding the public laws, acts resolutions. There are currently twelve (12) permanent committees established within the House of Representatives including: Constituent Services, Corporations, Environment Natural Resources, Finance, Health, Education Welfare, Judiciary, Labor, Municipal Government, Rules, Separation of Powers Veteran Affairs. Senate committees number seven (7) and include Constitutional Regulatory Issues, Commerce, Education, Environment Agriculture, Finance, Government Oversight Health Human Services. Permanent joint committees number eleven (11) and include Accounts Claims, Water Resources, Highway Safety, Environment Energy, Naming New Buildings, Bridges, Edifices Other State Constructions, Retirement, Small Business, Strategic Development, Veterans’ Affairs, Economic Development Legislative Services.
Related Resources:
The State of Rhode Island General Assembly website
General Assembly Meetings Agendas
Currently, the Rhode Island legislature is still a bicameral body constituting a seventy – five (75) member House of Representatives and a thirty – eight (38) member Senate which convenes on the first Tuesday in January annually. Leadership consists of a Speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate who are chosen from among their membership. The General Assembly is responsible for all proposed legislation as well as the enactment of laws both of a public and private nature. The assembly also confirms judicial nominations and the appointment of heads of various State departments boards and has general subpoena power in civil cases. Other responsibilities include the office of the Auditor General which provides independent evaluations of government programs, Legislative Council which is charged with obtaining information on the operation of state government and of making studies concerning legislative issue and the office of Law Revision which is responsible for consolidating, compiling, editing, printing binding the public laws, acts resolutions. There are currently twelve (12) permanent committees established within the House of Representatives including: Constituent Services, Corporations, Environment Natural Resources, Finance, Health, Education Welfare, Judiciary, Labor, Municipal Government, Rules, Separation of Powers Veteran Affairs. Senate committees number seven (7) and include Constitutional Regulatory Issues, Commerce, Education, Environment Agriculture, Finance, Government Oversight Health Human Services. Permanent joint committees number eleven (11) and include Accounts Claims, Water Resources, Highway Safety, Environment Energy, Naming New Buildings, Bridges, Edifices Other State Constructions, Retirement, Small Business, Strategic Development, Veterans’ Affairs, Economic Development Legislative Services.
Related Resources:
The State of Rhode Island General Assembly website
General Assembly Meetings Agendas
Found in 370 Collections and/or Records:
Oversight Commission sunset review
Series — Folder: 29. Oversight Commission sunset review, 1979-1980
Identifier: 1636-550
Dates:
1979-1980
Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care records
Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 2013-05c
Abstract
This series comprises the records of the Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care.
Dates:
1998-2012
Permanent Oversight Commission For the Department of Children, Youth and Families annual report
Item — Folder: 21. Permanent Oversight Commission For the Department of Children, Youth and Families annual report, 1993
Identifier: 1636-1587
Petitions Failed/Withdrawn, 1811-1900
Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00869; C#01179
Abstract
Petitions submitted to the General Assembly that were not granted or were withdrawn.
Dates:
1811-1900
Petitions Received, 1725-1890
Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00165, C#00063; C#00628
Abstract
Petitions submitted to the General Assembly for approval
Dates:
1725-1890
Petitions to the General Assembly
Series
Identifier: C#01179-C#00165-C#00063
Abstract
Petitions submitted by individual citizens, groups, municipalities, political, corporate & religious organizations & entities. Wide array of topics including suffrage rights, slavery, affairs of Narragansett Indians, redress from actions of debt, insolvency & imprisonment, property encroachments & disbursement, establishment of lotteries, public schools, railroads, etc.
Dates:
1725-1974
Preliminary Report of the Special Committee of the Senate to Investigate Forthwith the Present Regulations for the Sale of Carcasses of Animals for Human Consumption and the Inspection and Regulation of the Slaughtering of Said Animals, 1943
Item — Folder: 45 Preliminary Report of the Special Committee of the Senate to Investigate Forthwith the Present Regulations for the Sale of Carcasses of Animals for Human Consumption and the Inspection and Regulation of the Slaughtering of Said Animals. 1943
Dates:
1943
Private Acts (Local Acts or Charters), 1790-2019
Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00056; C#00203
Abstract
Original enabling acts, amendments to charters or legislation pertaining to specific corporate, religious, political, educational or other organizations & entities including but not limited to businesses, churches, colleges, fire districts, hospitals, militia organizations, railroads or individuals.
Dates:
1790-2019
Private Acts of the General Assembly
Digital Record
Identifier: DO 159
Dates:
Event: 1790-2009
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Proceedings of the General Assembly, 1649-1723
Sub-Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00260
Scope and Contents
Second manuscript record detailing meetings of the colonial legislature as either not found among series Rhode Island Colony Records or exist as originals duplicated within same. Includes wax seals
Dates:
1649-1723
Providence Armory Commission reports
Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 2001-99-1636-620-1636-767
Dates:
1907-1908
Providence County Court House: Report of the Commissioners on Decorations and Improvements, and Proceedings on the Legislative Visit, February 04, 1885
Item — Folder: 14 Providence County Court House 1885
Identifier: 1992-32-1431-1636-617
Public Laws, 2008
Digital Work
Identifier: 96f31ad0-20fa-4fa4-9432-742ef68f3734
Dates:
2008
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2009
Digital Work
Identifier: 0d523e50-1db7-4db3-b26f-fbb9ea3d613b
Dates:
2009
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2010
Digital Work
Identifier: f68aac02-0e16-4e19-9587-f2a94de7594a
Dates:
2010
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2011
Digital Work
Identifier: fb36630a-ec1e-464f-be14-fb42886adb61
Dates:
2011
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2012
Digital Work
Identifier: d95a1154-57d2-484d-b505-097bea32ee72
Dates:
2012
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2013
Digital Work
Identifier: 9a57fc14-5bf1-4443-9c88-c254167d0f17
Dates:
2013
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2015
Digital Work
Identifier: 1c0177aa-b8a6-4067-98fa-1f9c1c601d7d
Dates:
2015
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2016
Digital Work
Identifier: 7588c2d6-6549-4d0d-a722-c68a809c81d8
Dates:
2016
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, 2017
Digital Work
Identifier: 11e85496-f7c6-4f88-a8f4-a6ba0d3cb5f0
Dates:
2017
Found in:
Rhode Island State Archives
Public Laws, Acts and Resolutions Passed
Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00210-2018-04-2020-01
Abstract
Public Law enactments of the Rhode Island legislature
Dates:
1728-2016
Public Laws, Acts and Resolves indices
Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 2013-43
Scope and Contents
Series consists of indices of the public laws, resolutions and local acts passed by the Rhode Island General Assembly. Includes indices from 1902-1972 on microfilm and 1997 (arranged by subject and sponsor) which include all legislation proposed.
Dates:
1902-2013
Public Laws, Acts & Resolves, General Statutes
Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: C#00612-C#00579-C#00599-C#00611
Scope and Contents
Public law & general statute codifications (1719 - 1956) & contemporary publications of General Assembly session proceedings (1764+) detailing enactments of the legislature as found in manuscript series Rhode Island Colony Records; Acts & Resolutions & Private Acts / Charters. Latter initially bound as “schedules." with subsequent volumes containing reports submitted by various boards, commissions & government agencies as mandated. Commencing in the late 19th century annual...
Dates:
1647-2015
Rate Estimate Committee meeting minutes
Series — Volume: Rate Estimate Committee meeting minutes, 1822-1829
Identifier: C#00553
Abstract
Function: To record the actions of the committee appointed by the General Assembly to take an estimate of all the rateable property in RI. Includes: Copies of the enabling legislation for the committee. Minutes include the date and place of meetings, names of members present, issues discussed and action taken by the committee. Includes estimates of the total value of rateable property in each town.
Dates:
June 1, 1822-January 26, 1829
Real Estate Committee meeting minutes
Series
Identifier: C#00552
Abstract
Function: To record the actions of the committee appointed to take on estimateof all the rateable property in RI. Includes: Enabling legislation for the committee. Minutes include: date and place of meeting, names of members present, action taken by the committee. Includes text of instruction to appraisers, names of appraisers in each county, amount of money to be paid each appraiser.
Dates:
May 1, 1855-January 16, 1856
Records of the Colony of Rhode Island volume
Item — Volume: Records of the Colony of Rhode Island, Vol V, 1741-1756
Identifier: C#00276
Abstract
The Records of the Colony of Rhode Island, Vol V includes the date of session, actions taken by the General Assembly, reports to the British Board of Trade, and other documents relative to the RI colonial government. This is published material.
Dates:
1741-1756
Records of the Island of Rhode Island volume, March 7, 1638-March 12, 1644
Item
Identifier: C#00206
Abstract
Proceedings of the General Assembly for the years 1638-1644.
Subjects vary widely.
Dates:
March 7, 1638-March 12, 1644
- Rhode Island Department of State
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