State and Local Government Chapters 7-9

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Questions and Answers

What is a problem-solving court designed to address?

Corporate litigation

Minor traffic violations

General legal disputes

Specific social issues, such as addiction (correct)

Why does it matter whether executive agency heads are appointed rather than elected?

All heads must come from the same political party

Appointed officials often lack accountability

Elected officials can be easily removed by voters

Appointment can minimize political influence (correct)

What differentiates determinate sentencing from indeterminate sentencing?

Indeterminate sentencing eliminates parole possibilities

Determinate sentencing cannot include probation

Indeterminate sentencing is always longer than determinate

Determinate sentencing has a fixed term, whereas indeterminate is flexible (correct)

What role do governors typically play in managing disasters?

They coordinate state resources and response efforts Signup and view all the answers

How do state courts generally differ from federal courts?

Federal courts have broader jurisdiction on constitutional matters Signup and view all the answers

What is an indictment, and what role does a grand jury play in it?

An indictment is a formal accusation, and a grand jury issues it Signup and view all the answers

What are courts of limited jurisdiction primarily designed to handle?

Administrative appeals and minor offenses Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of gubernatorial appointment power?

It can influence the administration's policies and priorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between trustees and delegates in legislative terms?

Trustees act on their own judgment while delegates represent the views of their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes gerrymandering?

A method of redistricting to favor one party over another. Signup and view all the answers

What do trial courts primarily handle?

They resolve disputes and administer criminal justice through hearings and trials. Signup and view all the answers

What are the informal powers of the governor?

The ability to influence public opinion and agenda-setting. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of political capital?

The influence and trust a politician possesses within the political arena. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of standing committees in a legislative body?

To draft and examine proposed legislation regularly. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the hybrid legislature?

A mix of citizen legislators and full-time politicians. Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to bureaucrats within the government that interact directly with the public?

Street-level bureaucrats. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

State and Local Government Study Guide

Exam Scope: Covers chapters 7, 8, 9, supplemental readings, and lectures.
Study Material: Complete all readings and attend all lectures.
Assistance: Ask questions if material is unclear.

Legislative Branch

Legislature Types: Citizen legislatures, hybrid legislatures, professional legislatures.
Delegate vs. Trustee: Differentiate delegate model (voting with constituents) from trustee model (voting based on judgment).
Judicial Selection Methods: Study advantages and disadvantages of different methods.
Voting Cues/Examples: Understand why voting cues are needed and give examples in context.
Term Limits: Discuss the pros and cons of term limits for legislators.
Lawmaker Professions: Identify the professions of state lawmakers.
Redistricting: Understand court cases related to redistricting and their importance.
Gerrymandering vs. Malapportionment: Differentiate between gerrymandering and malapportionment.
Legislative Powers: List the formal and informal powers of the governor.
Executive Orders: Understand what executive orders are.
Political Capital: Explain the concept of political capital in government.
Street-Level Bureaucrats: Definition, roles, and impact on policymaking.
Urban Party Machines: Understand historical context and operation of urban party machines, noting their distinction from modern methods.
Vetoes: Distinguish types of executive vetoes (e.g., line-item, pocket veto).
Legislative Representation Data: Understand factors promoting better representation of various groups in state legislatures.
Characteristics of Gubernatorial Elections: Identify key factors shaping gubernatorial elections.
"Good-Time Charlies": Definition of this political category.
"Going Public": Define and explain "going public" as a form of political action by governors.
Bully Pulpit: What is the Bully Pulpit? Define and explain the concept and how governors use it.
Governor's Primary Jobs: Identify and explain the three primary tasks of a governor.
New Judicial Federalism: Define and explain the concept of new judicial federalism.
Criminal vs. Civil Law: Differentiate between criminal and civil law.
State Court Structure: Describe the standard structure of state courts (Trial, Appellate, Supreme).
Court Procedures: Understand the functions, procedures, and appeal processes within state courts.
Legislative Committees/Processes: Note the roles and functions of standing and conference committees.
Legislative Influence: Explain how party leaders impact legislative processes.
Pork Barrel Projects: Definition and significance.
Legislative Oversight: Explain how the legislature oversees the executive branch.
Urban Machine Demise: Identify factors related to the decline of urban machines.
Legislative/Governor Budget Roles: Role of governors and legislatures in setting budgets.
Appointment vs. Election Explain the implications of appointing versus electing executive agency heads and secretaries.
Problem-Solving Courts: Purpose of problem-solving courts, and why they are necessary.
Judicial Selection Methods: Differentiate between more and less politically influenced selection processes.
Sentencing Differences: Distinguish between determinate and indeterminate sentencing.
Top Law Enforcement Officer: Identify state law enforcement's top officer.
Governor's Disaster Role: Role governors play during disasters or emergencies.
Gubernatorial Election Timing: Why the timing of gubernatorial elections is crucial.
Mass Media Coverage (Governors vs. Legislators): Compare media coverage of governors and legislators.
Women, Minorities Representation in Government: Analyze representation of women and minorities in state legislatures and governorships.

Nebraska Legislature

Unique Aspects of Nebraska Legislature: Understand the specific differences of the Nebraska legislature.

Court Cases and Lawsuits

Important Cases: Discuss the importance of League of United Latin American Citizens v. Perry, Reynolds v. Sims, and Baker v. Carr cases.
Civil Service System: Understand the reasons for a civil service system.
Policymaking Through Courts: Analyze judicial involvement in policy development.
Judicial Selection: Understand how the types of judicial selection impact outcomes.
Recent Judicial Reforms: Evaluate recent reforms in the judiciary.
Supreme Court Function: Identify the state Supreme Court's overall responsibility and its appeals processes.
Gubernatorial Elections Comparison: Compare gubernatorial elections to other elections and factors influencing these elections.
Gender, Racial Progress in Governor's Office: Analyze progress of women and minorities running for governor.
Earmarked Fees: Explain earmarked fees.
Governor Appointment Power: Explain governorship appointment powers and reasons for its importance.
Proposition 77: Explain the content of Proposition 77.
Trial Avoidance: Explain how court cases can be decided without a trial.
Limited Jurisdiction Courts: Distinguish courts of general vs. limited jurisdiction.
Interested Party Participation; Appeals: How interested parties can influence courts and appeal cases.
State vs. Federal Courts: Compare and contrast state and federal courts.
Grand Juries: Understand grand jury function and role in the legal process.
Recidivism, Court Response: Explain recidivism and how courts attempt to address it.
State Role in National Elections: Explain how states impact national elections.
2020 Presidential Election Pivotal States: Identify crucial state roles in the 2020 presidential election.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from chapters 7, 8, and 9 of State and Local Government, including legislature types, delegate vs. trustee models, and judicial selection methods. Be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of voting cues, term limits, and redistricting issues. Essential for anyone looking to deepen their grasp of state governance.