State and Local Government Quiz

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.