State and Local Government Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is a significant challenge lawmakers face when trying to work together on issues?

  • Individual accountability (correct)
  • Strict deadlines for proposals
  • Abundant support from constituents
  • Increased funding

    • What is a primary effect of term limits on state legislatures?

  • Increased power of seasoned politicians
  • Higher likelihood of career politicians returning
  • Stability in legislative processes
  • Increased turnover and introduction of new legislators (correct)

    • Which of the following describes the role of the governor in state government?

  • Primary tax collector
  • Most visible state official (correct)
  • Legislator-in-chief
  • Head of the judiciary

    • How do term limits impact the focus of legislators on their districts?

    <p>They create less concern about re-election (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic differentiates legislative professionalism from citizen legislatures?

    <p>Higher session lengths and salaries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the powers of governors?

    <p>Governors can impose restrictions to enforce policies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential downside of having term limits in state legislatures?

    <p>Longer learning curves for new legislators (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes the gubernatorial elections process in the majority of states?

    <p>They coincide with presidential elections in some states. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key advantage of incumbents in gubernatorial elections?

    <p>They can easily raise campaign funds compared to challengers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a role of the governor?

    <p>Chief Financial Officer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which power allows governors to appoint different state officials?

    <p>Appointment power (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'lame duck' refer to in the context of a governor's term?

    <p>A governor who cannot pass laws after their term ends. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered an informal power of governors?

    <p>Charisma and persuasion skills (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does political capital relate to a governor's power?

    <p>It indicates perceived ability to influence others. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are governors in Southern states often considered weaker?

    <p>Their powers were diminished due to historical reconstruction efforts. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the formal powers of governors?

    <p>They have the ability to call special sessions of the legislature. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key factor that allows the legislature to override a gubernatorial veto?

    <p>A supermajority vote (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a supermajority affect budget discussions in the legislature?

    <p>It becomes crucial for the passage of the budget (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a 'pork barrel' project primarily characterized by?

    <p>Localized projects benefiting only a representative's district (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about legislative oversight is accurate?

    <p>It ensures agencies consider legislative intent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the party switch of a legislator in 2023 have on legislative power?

    <p>Enabled Republicans to gain a supermajority (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the legislature in the budget process?

    <p>To pass the budget as per the governor's proposal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the functions of casework in the legislature?

    <p>To provide oversight and address constituents' concerns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario illustrates a successful use of gubernatorial power?

    <p>A governor's veto being successfully overridden by the legislature with a supermajority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Gubernatorial Elections

    Elections held every 4 years in 48 states to choose a governor, often coinciding with presidential elections.

    Incumbency Advantage

    An advantage held by an incumbent governor running for re-election, but not guaranteed success.

    Governor's Appointment Power

    The governor's ability to appoint key executive officials in the state government.

    Governor's Formal Powers

    The governor's official authority, including appointments, setting a legislative agenda, and issuing executive orders.

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    Informal Powers of Governors

    A governor's ability to persuade and influence, including their personality, charisma, and political capital.

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    Political Capital

    A governor's perceived power and influence.

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    Executive Orders

    Orders from a governor that have the force of law within the state.

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    State of the State Address

    A speech or address delivered by the governor to set a legislative agenda and communicate with the state.

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    Collective Action Problem

    Difficulty in coordinating individuals to work together towards a common goal.

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    Legislative Professionalism

    Legislators having the necessary time, staff, and financial resources for effective lawmaking.

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    Citizen Legislatures

    Legislatures where members have limited resources and time, focusing on serving their districts.

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    Term Limits

    Regulations limiting the number of terms a legislator can serve, aiming to increase turnover.

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    Governor's Role: Head of State

    Governor acts as the symbolic leader of the state, representing its interests.

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    Governor's Role: Chief Executive

    The governor's role in overseeing the executive branch and implementing policies.

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    Governor's Role: Chief Policymaker

    The governor's role in influencing policy development and implementation.

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    Jurisdiction

    The area of responsibility and authority for a state legislator.

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    Amendatory Veto

    A governor's power to revise a proposed bill before it becomes law, requiring legislative agreement.

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    Supermajority

    A legislative majority larger than a simple majority, often needed to override a veto or pass a budget.

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    Budget Proposal

    The governor's plan for spending the state's money, presented for legislative approval.

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    Pork Barrel Projects

    Government spending aimed at benefiting a specific district or lawmaker rather than the overall state.

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    Legislative Oversight

    Monitoring the executive branch (like agencies) to ensure laws are implemented correctly.

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    Casework

    Helping constituents with problems or concerns related to laws and government agencies.

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    Legislative Representation

    Lawmakers' role in advocating for constituents' interests and concerns.

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    Executive Branch Implementation of Law

    Agencies and departments carrying out the laws passed by the legislature.

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    Study Notes

    State and Local Government

    • Collective Action Problem: Lawmakers must work together, but individual accountability hinders effective collaboration in addressing complex issues; in

    • Individual lawmakers are often more focused on maintaining their political positions and securing their re-election than on addressing the pressing issues that affect their constituents. This self-interest can detract from collaborative efforts, leading to gridlock and ineffective governance, as the priority shifts from problem-solving to political survival.

    • Legislative Reforms: Legislative professionalism models Congress, but state legislatures lack the same levels of staff and compensation. Some state legislatures are hybrids, but even active ones suffer from careerism. Term limits are a legislative reform in many states, reducing entrenched politicians and introducing new perspectives.

    • Term Limits: A reform that limits the number of terms legislators may serve, often aiming to reduce careerism and promote new perspectives in office. This can also promote people who aren't career politicians.

    • Gubernatorial Elections: Held every four years in 48 states, sometimes concurrently with presidential elections, involving significant amounts of fundraising. Incumbents have an advantage, and the state's economy plays into the election outcome.

    • Institutional (Formal) Powers: Governors have the power to appoint various high-level executive officials, such as Lieutenant Governors, Attorney Generals, Secretaries of State, and Treasurers. Governors also have the power to create executive orders with the force of law, and direct the national guard.

    • Informal Powers: Governors may employ skills such as charisma, intelligence, and persuasion to influence others and gain support. Informal powers can vary widely based on particular circumstances.

    • Political Capital: The perceived power of a governor measured by many factors and how much influence they have within the state. Governors can also affect the political opinion and media attention in their state.

    • Legislative Oversight: Legislatures have the power to oversee the executive branch to ensure the law complies with the established mandates, and that policies are functioning correctly.

    • Representation: Legislatures represent the state's citizenry and their legislative actions can benefit or negatively influence constituents and businesses in the districts they represent.

    Judicial Systems

    • Judicial Federalism: State courts and Federal courts have concurrent jurisdiction in certain cases, where both systems have power to hear certain types of cases or legal issues.

    • Generic Structure of State Court Systems: This outlines the common structure of state court systems: Supreme courts, intermediate courts of appeal, and trial courts (general jurisdiction and specialized jurisdiction).

    • Judicial Selection Methods: Various methods for selecting judges, including legislative appointment, gubernatorial appointment, and election systems (partisan and non-partisan).

    Budget Overview

    • Budget Proposal: Governors propose budgets, potentially prioritizing areas they wish to influence.
    • Legislative Action: Legislatures review and amend the budget. Supermajority is valuable in these situations.
    • Pork Barrel Projects: Allocating funds for localized projects can impact legislative support or favoritism.

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    Related Documents

    State and Local Government Final Exam Notes PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the dynamics of state and local governments, focusing on collective action problems, legislative reforms, term limits, and gubernatorial elections. Understand how these concepts impact governance and representation at the state level.

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