Which body is primarily responsible for enacting laws in Missouri?

The General Assembly is the primary legislative body responsible for enacting laws in Missouri. It is a bicameral legislature, consisting of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of the General Assembly are elected by the citizens of Missouri to represent their interests and deliberatively craft, debate, and pass state legislation.

This body engages in various responsibilities, including proposing new laws, amending existing legislation, and providing oversight of the executive branch's budget and functions. The process of enacting laws involves several steps, including committee reviews, debates, and voting within both chambers. Once a bill is approved by a majority in the General Assembly, it is sent to the Governor for approval or veto.

The other options represent important aspects of Missouri's governmental framework but do not hold the same legislative authority as the General Assembly. The Governor's Office holds executive power and can veto laws, while the Missouri Supreme Court serves as the highest judicial authority, interpreting laws rather than enacting them. The Department of State deals with administrative aspects and not with legislative processes, further differentiating its role from that of the General Assembly.