Podcast
Questions and Answers
The upper house of the state legislature is equivalent to which of the following?
The upper house of the state legislature is equivalent to which of the following?
- Senate (correct)
- House of Representatives
- House of Assembly
- House of Delegates
What is the role of the presiding officer in the lower house of state legislatures?
What is the role of the presiding officer in the lower house of state legislatures?
- To oversee the budget
- To organize debates only
- To appoint all committee members
- To preside over legislative sessions (correct)
Which of the following terms refers to the governor's ability to veto specific sections of a bill?
Which of the following terms refers to the governor's ability to veto specific sections of a bill?
- Nullification
- Pocket veto
- Line-item veto (correct)
- Complete veto
Which body of government is primarily responsible for writing and passing laws within a state?
Which body of government is primarily responsible for writing and passing laws within a state?
How many years do most state governors serve in a term?
How many years do most state governors serve in a term?
Which official typically presides over the Senate in most states?
Which official typically presides over the Senate in most states?
What power do governors have regarding criminal pardons?
What power do governors have regarding criminal pardons?
What is the primary function of committees in state legislatures?
What is the primary function of committees in state legislatures?
What is the primary role of the lieutenant governor?
What is the primary role of the lieutenant governor?
What is one of the main responsibilities of the secretary of state?
What is one of the main responsibilities of the secretary of state?
What is the role of the attorney general at the state level?
What is the role of the attorney general at the state level?
Which level of court typically has the least jurisdiction in a state judicial system?
Which level of court typically has the least jurisdiction in a state judicial system?
What happens when state law conflicts with federal law?
What happens when state law conflicts with federal law?
What is the function of appeals courts?
What is the function of appeals courts?
What authority does a state supreme court hold?
What authority does a state supreme court hold?
What type of disputes do larger urban municipal courts typically handle?
What type of disputes do larger urban municipal courts typically handle?
What do state constitutions guarantee to their citizens?
What do state constitutions guarantee to their citizens?
Which of the following is NOT one of the basic elements contained in state constitutions?
Which of the following is NOT one of the basic elements contained in state constitutions?
How often do state constitutions typically require elections?
How often do state constitutions typically require elections?
What term is used to describe the legislative bodies in state governments?
What term is used to describe the legislative bodies in state governments?
What is the maximum term length for state senators, depending on the state?
What is the maximum term length for state senators, depending on the state?
How do most state legislatures structure their chambers?
How do most state legislatures structure their chambers?
What is a distinguishing characteristic of the amendment process for state constitutions compared to the US Constitution?
What is a distinguishing characteristic of the amendment process for state constitutions compared to the US Constitution?
What is typically required for each political party during state elections?
What is typically required for each political party during state elections?
What is a characteristic of local officials in most jurisdictions?
What is a characteristic of local officials in most jurisdictions?
In which form of democracy do citizens vote directly on policy questions?
In which form of democracy do citizens vote directly on policy questions?
What is a municipality?
What is a municipality?
At which level does direct democracy not operate?
At which level does direct democracy not operate?
What initiates the recall process for an elected public official?
What initiates the recall process for an elected public official?
Which of the following is NOT a type of local government?
Which of the following is NOT a type of local government?
What requirement does the U.S. Constitution mandate for state governments?
What requirement does the U.S. Constitution mandate for state governments?
What primarily distinguishes a county from a municipality?
What primarily distinguishes a county from a municipality?
Which of the following best describes the initiative process?
Which of the following best describes the initiative process?
What is a common function of counties?
What is a common function of counties?
Which aspect of townships can vary significantly?
Which aspect of townships can vary significantly?
What role do voters play in a referendum?
What role do voters play in a referendum?
What structure do state governments share with the federal government?
What structure do state governments share with the federal government?
What do elected supervisors or trustees generally govern in townships?
What do elected supervisors or trustees generally govern in townships?
What authority does a unitary government derive from?
What authority does a unitary government derive from?
What is a special-purpose district primarily designed to handle?
What is a special-purpose district primarily designed to handle?
What authority do special-purpose districts have?
What authority do special-purpose districts have?
Which type of special-purpose district is responsible for local public schools?
Which type of special-purpose district is responsible for local public schools?
What form of government is used in about half of all US cities?
What form of government is used in about half of all US cities?
In a council-manager form of governance, who manages the city alongside an elected council?
In a council-manager form of governance, who manages the city alongside an elected council?
What is a characteristic of cities following the commission plan?
What is a characteristic of cities following the commission plan?
What is one way citizens participate in state and local governments?
What is one way citizens participate in state and local governments?
What varies from city to city regarding the power of mayors?
What varies from city to city regarding the power of mayors?
Which area is NOT typically managed by special-purpose districts?
Which area is NOT typically managed by special-purpose districts?
What is the primary function of state legislatures within the context of state government?
What is the primary function of state legislatures within the context of state government?
Who typically presides over the lower house of state legislatures?
Who typically presides over the lower house of state legislatures?
Which statement accurately describes the line-item veto power granted to governors in many states?
Which statement accurately describes the line-item veto power granted to governors in many states?
What role do committees play in state legislatures?
What role do committees play in state legislatures?
What is a significant aspect of the executive power division in state governments?
What is a significant aspect of the executive power division in state governments?
What authority do governors have regarding executive orders?
What authority do governors have regarding executive orders?
Which official generally presides over the state senate in most states?
Which official generally presides over the state senate in most states?
In most states, how are lower house presiding officers chosen?
In most states, how are lower house presiding officers chosen?
Which type of powers are assigned exclusively to the federal government?
Which type of powers are assigned exclusively to the federal government?
What are the powers explicitly assigned to Congress by the Constitution called?
What are the powers explicitly assigned to Congress by the Constitution called?
Which of the following actions can the federal government exclusively undertake?
Which of the following actions can the federal government exclusively undertake?
What type of powers allow both state and federal governments to legislate in certain areas?
What type of powers allow both state and federal governments to legislate in certain areas?
What is the primary reason that the federal government can take actions not expressly mentioned in the Constitution?
What is the primary reason that the federal government can take actions not expressly mentioned in the Constitution?
State constitutions generally do NOT include which of the following elements?
State constitutions generally do NOT include which of the following elements?
Which branch of government is typically present at both the federal and state levels?
Which branch of government is typically present at both the federal and state levels?
Which aspect of state governments mirrors the federal system?
Which aspect of state governments mirrors the federal system?
Which of the following is a basic element contained in state constitutions?
Which of the following is a basic element contained in state constitutions?
What is generally easier to amend or revise than the US Constitution?
What is generally easier to amend or revise than the US Constitution?
Which body provides the cornerstone of state government?
Which body provides the cornerstone of state government?
What is a typical term length for state representatives in many states?
What is a typical term length for state representatives in many states?
How are state legislatures typically structured?
How are state legislatures typically structured?
What type of rights are commonly included in state constitutions that may not be in the national constitution?
What type of rights are commonly included in state constitutions that may not be in the national constitution?
Which of the following characterizes the election process for state legislatures?
Which of the following characterizes the election process for state legislatures?
Which of these principles is NOT a component of state constitutions?
Which of these principles is NOT a component of state constitutions?
What is a key responsibility of state governors?
What is a key responsibility of state governors?
What is the main function of the secretary of state in state governance?
What is the main function of the secretary of state in state governance?
What authority do state courts have in relation to laws?
What authority do state courts have in relation to laws?
In the event of a vacancy, what is the primary role of the lieutenant governor?
In the event of a vacancy, what is the primary role of the lieutenant governor?
If state laws conflict with federal laws, which prevails?
If state laws conflict with federal laws, which prevails?
What type of court handles a wide range of judicial disputes in larger urban areas?
What type of court handles a wide range of judicial disputes in larger urban areas?
What is the role of appeals courts in the judicial system?
What is the role of appeals courts in the judicial system?
What is the ultimate authority of a state supreme court?
What is the ultimate authority of a state supreme court?
What is the primary role of counties within a state government structure?
What is the primary role of counties within a state government structure?
Which type of local government is characterized by self-government granted through a municipal charter?
Which type of local government is characterized by self-government granted through a municipal charter?
What feature distinguishes townships from other forms of local government?
What feature distinguishes townships from other forms of local government?
What is the function of special-purpose districts?
What is the function of special-purpose districts?
In which area do counties primarily provide government services?
In which area do counties primarily provide government services?
Which of the following statements is true regarding local governments?
Which of the following statements is true regarding local governments?
What is a key characteristic of a municipality?
What is a key characteristic of a municipality?
What is the main purpose of a charter in relation to municipalities?
What is the main purpose of a charter in relation to municipalities?
What is one of the main responsibilities of special-purpose districts?
What is one of the main responsibilities of special-purpose districts?
In which governance structure is an elected mayor paired with an elected city council?
In which governance structure is an elected mayor paired with an elected city council?
What is a defining characteristic of the council-manager system of governance?
What is a defining characteristic of the council-manager system of governance?
Which type of special-purpose district is primarily responsible for public education?
Which type of special-purpose district is primarily responsible for public education?
Under what system do citizens directly elect a board of commissioners to run a city?
Under what system do citizens directly elect a board of commissioners to run a city?
What kind of authority do special-purpose districts lack compared to cities and counties?
What kind of authority do special-purpose districts lack compared to cities and counties?
Which option describes how citizens can participate in local governance?
Which option describes how citizens can participate in local governance?
What distinguishes the commission plan from other forms of local government structure?
What distinguishes the commission plan from other forms of local government structure?
Flashcards
State Constitutions
State Constitutions
Documents outlining fundamental principles, citizens' rights, governmental structure, amendment procedures, and miscellaneous provisions for a state.
State Bill of Rights
State Bill of Rights
A section of state constitutions that lists the rights guaranteed to citizens of that state.
State Elections
State Elections
Regular elections required by state constitutions, ensuring citizens' right to participate in their government.
State Legislatures
State Legislatures
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State Representative/Senator Elections
State Representative/Senator Elections
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State Legislative Structure
State Legislative Structure
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State Constitutions Amendment Procedures
State Constitutions Amendment Procedures
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Fundamental Principles
Fundamental Principles
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State Senate
State Senate
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State Assembly
State Assembly
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State Speaker
State Speaker
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State Committees
State Committees
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State Governor
State Governor
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Line-Item Veto
Line-Item Veto
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Executive Orders
Executive Orders
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National Guard
National Guard
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Secretary of State
Secretary of State
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Attorney General
Attorney General
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State Courts
State Courts
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Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
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Appeals Courts
Appeals Courts
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State Supreme Court
State Supreme Court
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Municipal Courts
Municipal Courts
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County Courts
County Courts
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Unitary Government
Unitary Government
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Local Government Types
Local Government Types
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Municipality
Municipality
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County Responsibilities
County Responsibilities
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Township Function
Township Function
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Special-Purpose Districts
Special-Purpose Districts
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Municipal Charter
Municipal Charter
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Appeal Process
Appeal Process
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School Districts
School Districts
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Mayor-Council System
Mayor-Council System
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Council-Manager System
Council-Manager System
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Commission System
Commission System
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Direct Participation in Government
Direct Participation in Government
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Holding Political Office
Holding Political Office
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Voting on Policy
Voting on Policy
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Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy
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Initiative Process
Initiative Process
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Referendum Process
Referendum Process
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Recall Process
Recall Process
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Republican Form of Government
Republican Form of Government
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Three Branches of Government
Three Branches of Government
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State Executive Branch
State Executive Branch
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State Legislative Branch
State Legislative Branch
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Federal System
Federal System
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Enumerated Powers
Enumerated Powers
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Concurrent Powers
Concurrent Powers
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Implied Powers
Implied Powers
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Inherent Powers
Inherent Powers
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State Governments
State Governments
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Three Branches of State Gov
Three Branches of State Gov
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What ensures citizens can participate in state government?
What ensures citizens can participate in state government?
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How are state constitutions different from the US Constitution?
How are state constitutions different from the US Constitution?
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What are the main parts of a state constitution?
What are the main parts of a state constitution?
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How are state legislatures structured?
How are state legislatures structured?
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What are some examples of state powers?
What are some examples of state powers?
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Who implements state laws?
Who implements state laws?
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Lieutenant Governor's role
Lieutenant Governor's role
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Secretary of State's duties
Secretary of State's duties
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State Attorney General's role
State Attorney General's role
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What happens when state and federal laws clash?
What happens when state and federal laws clash?
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What are 'layers of jurisdiction'?
What are 'layers of jurisdiction'?
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Who hears appeals from lower courts?
Who hears appeals from lower courts?
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What is the highest court's role?
What is the highest court's role?
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What powers do special-purpose districts have?
What powers do special-purpose districts have?
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What are school districts?
What are school districts?
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What are the three main types of local governments?
What are the three main types of local governments?
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What is the Mayor-Council system?
What is the Mayor-Council system?
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What is the Commission system?
What is the Commission system?
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How can citizens participate in local governments?
How can citizens participate in local governments?
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Study Notes
Federal System
- The Constitution assigns specific powers to the federal government, other powers to individual states, and some areas are shared.
- Federal government has three types of powers: inherent, enumerated (expressed), and implied.
- Inherent powers are essential powers that a sovereign government must possess.
- Enumerated (expressed) powers are explicitly listed powers given to Congress by the Constitution.
- Implied powers are powers necessary to carry out enumerated powers.
Powers and Spheres of Authority
- When federal and state laws conflict, federal law takes precedence.
- Exclusive powers (to the federal government): declaring war, making treaties with foreign countries, coining money, regulating interstate commerce; these activities are under the sole control of the federal government.
- Concurrent powers are shared powers between federal and state governments (e.g., taxation).
State Governments
- States have their own individual governments mirroring the structure of the federal government (executive, legislative, judicial branches).
- State constitutions outline the principles, structures, and powers of state governments, including a bill of rights.
- Governors have powers such as issuing executive orders, pardoning criminals and commanding the state's National Guard.
State Legislatures
- Similar to the federal government, each state has elected representatives and senators.
- State legislatures are often known as general assemblies.
- State legislatures have houses (e.g., senate, house of representatives).
- The state legislatures often rely on committees for most of their work.
- Legislatures are responsible for evaluating and producing legislation.
Elections
- States have laws regarding the age of candidacy and terms for elected officials.
- Political parties nominate candidates for state legislative seats.
- State elections are regulated by the respective state laws. Election laws define the eligible age limit, and term length, for aspiring candidates.
Judicial Branch
- State courts settle disputes according to state laws; federal law supersedes state law when conflicts arise.
- State courts have various levels (e.g., municipal, county, appeals, supreme).
- State supreme courts have the final say in constitutional interpretation (though some cases can be appealed).
Local Governments
- All political power is derived from a central authority in unitary governments.
- Types of local governments: municipalities, counties, townships, special-purpose districts.
- Municipalities (cities, towns) are governed by charters written through agreements.
- Counties provide services to residents outside of municipalities and administer state laws.
- Townships are smaller regions within counties, functions vary by state.
- Special-purpose districts are smaller jurisdictions that handle specialized areas (e.g., schools, water).
- Each level of government has its own executive and legislative branches.
Participation in State & Local Government
- Citizens can participate through holding office or voting.
- Public participation in policy making is important at all levels.
Direct Democracy
- Initiatives: citizens propose laws, placing a new proposal on a ballot (by petition). Obtaining enough signatures to place the proposed laws on the ballot, for the voting public to approve or disapprove.
- Referendums: legislature proposes laws, voters vote to approve or reject the statute. Public votes to either approve or disapprove of legislation previously proposed by a legislature.
- Recalls: citizens can remove elected officials. Citizens using a recall process to remove elected officials.
Summary
- State governments are modeled after the federal government, with three branches (executive, legislative, and judicial).
- U.S. Constitution mandates a "republican form" of government for states, but the exact structure isn't strictly defined (three branches aren't required).
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Description
Test your knowledge on the structure and functions of state legislatures. This quiz covers key roles, terms, and responsibilities within the upper and lower houses, as well as the governor's powers. Perfect for students of political science or anyone interested in state government.
