Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a significant challenge lawmakers face when trying to work together on issues?
What is a significant challenge lawmakers face when trying to work together on issues?
What is a primary effect of term limits on state legislatures?
What is a primary effect of term limits on state legislatures?
Which of the following describes the role of the governor in state government?
Which of the following describes the role of the governor in state government?
How do term limits impact the focus of legislators on their districts?
How do term limits impact the focus of legislators on their districts?
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What characteristic differentiates legislative professionalism from citizen legislatures?
What characteristic differentiates legislative professionalism from citizen legislatures?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the powers of governors?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the powers of governors?
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What is one potential downside of having term limits in state legislatures?
What is one potential downside of having term limits in state legislatures?
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Which statement best describes the gubernatorial elections process in the majority of states?
Which statement best describes the gubernatorial elections process in the majority of states?
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What is a key advantage of incumbents in gubernatorial elections?
What is a key advantage of incumbents in gubernatorial elections?
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Which of the following is NOT a role of the governor?
Which of the following is NOT a role of the governor?
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Which power allows governors to appoint different state officials?
Which power allows governors to appoint different state officials?
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What does the term 'lame duck' refer to in the context of a governor's term?
What does the term 'lame duck' refer to in the context of a governor's term?
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Which of the following is considered an informal power of governors?
Which of the following is considered an informal power of governors?
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How does political capital relate to a governor's power?
How does political capital relate to a governor's power?
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Why are governors in Southern states often considered weaker?
Why are governors in Southern states often considered weaker?
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Which of the following best describes the formal powers of governors?
Which of the following best describes the formal powers of governors?
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What is a key factor that allows the legislature to override a gubernatorial veto?
What is a key factor that allows the legislature to override a gubernatorial veto?
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How does a supermajority affect budget discussions in the legislature?
How does a supermajority affect budget discussions in the legislature?
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What is a 'pork barrel' project primarily characterized by?
What is a 'pork barrel' project primarily characterized by?
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Which statement about legislative oversight is accurate?
Which statement about legislative oversight is accurate?
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What impact did the party switch of a legislator in 2023 have on legislative power?
What impact did the party switch of a legislator in 2023 have on legislative power?
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What is the primary role of the legislature in the budget process?
What is the primary role of the legislature in the budget process?
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What is one of the functions of casework in the legislature?
What is one of the functions of casework in the legislature?
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Which scenario illustrates a successful use of gubernatorial power?
Which scenario illustrates a successful use of gubernatorial power?
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Study Notes
State and Local Government
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Collective Action Problem: Lawmakers must work together, but individual accountability hinders effective collaboration in addressing complex issues; in
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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).
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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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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.
