What powers does the Missouri General Assembly hold?

The power of the Missouri General Assembly primarily encompasses lawmaking within the state. This legislative body is responsible for drafting, debating, and enacting state laws that govern various aspects of life in Missouri, including education, transportation, public safety, and health care, among many others. The authority to create laws is a fundamental aspect of legislative function, as established in the Missouri Constitution, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the General Assembly.

In the context of the other choices, enforcing laws is a function of the executive branch, headed by the Governor of Missouri. Judicial review, which involves interpreting the laws and ensuring they comply with the Constitution, is the responsibility of the judicial branch. Conducting foreign affairs is typically a power held by the federal government, not state legislatures, ensuring that international relations are managed at the national level rather than by individual states. Thus, the Missouri General Assembly is specifically tasked with the important role of making state laws.