chapter 8 state government

HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON1

CIVICS IN PRACTICEHOLT

Chapter 8

State GovernmentSection 1:The StatesSection 2:State LegislaturesSection 3:The State Executive BranchSection 4:State Courts



The Main IdeaIn the United States, all 50 independent states fit together to form one country. The federal system allows state governments to serve the needs of the

their citizens while cooperating as a united country.

Reading Focus What powers do state governments have? How do states work together with other states and

with the national government in our federal system?

Section 1: The States



State Powers

Election oversight Education Police protection

Public building programs

Health and safety Highways


Concurrent powers, like taxation, are exercised by both state and federal governments.



Components of a state constitution: Preamble—states the ideals of the government Bill of rights—list of rights guaranteed to citizens Outline of government organization—duties of the

government’s branches are spelled out Provisions for elections Provisions for managing state affairs, such as

education, law and order, highways, and taxation Methods of amending the state’s constitution and list

of approved amendments




Cooperation of states with each other and the federal government: The full faith and credit clause of the U.S.

Constitution ensures states will respect court decisions of other states.

Fugitives from one state are subject to extradition if found in another state.

States work together to reduce pollution and maintain mutual public interests.




Cooperation of states with each other and the federal government: (continued)

The U.S. Constitution guarantees a “republican government” to each state.

The federal government must help put down “domestic violence” in the states.

Governments work together to conserve resources, assist the unemployed, build highways, and offer job training.




SECTION 1

Powers Reserved for the States

Federal

concurrent

State

Question: What types of powers are reserved for the states?



The Main IdeaThe process of passing state laws is similar to the process

used in the U.S. Congress. In some states, citizens can take a direct role in making the state's laws.

Reading Focus How are state legislatures organized to equally

represent the citizens of the their state? How are state laws passed? How do citizens participate in making state laws?

Section 2: State Legislatures



Populations in state election districts:

1964—Reynolds v. Sims: all state election districts must be as equal as possible

Equally populated districts ensure the principle of “one person, one vote.”




Many states require similar qualifications and terms of office for state legislators: Must be U.S. citizens and residents of the

district they represent Senators must be at least 25 years of age, and

representatives must be at least 21. Two- to four-year terms Salaries and benefits tend to be low.




Choosing presiding officers and carrying out legislation: Either the lieutenant governor or a selected

official presides over the Senate. Speakers are chosen in the lower houses. Committees are appointed. Seniority determines many of the

appointments.




Choosing presiding officers and carrying out legislation: (continued)

State bills follow a path similar to that of federal bills before they can become laws.

Some states require referendums before certain bills become laws.




Question: What are the qualifications and terms of office for a state legislator?

SECTION 2

HELP WANTED

L E G I S L A T O RJob qualifications include:

Terms of Office:



The Main Idea A state’s executive branch carries out laws made by

the state’s legislative branch. Governors are the chief executives of state government.

Reading Focus Who is the state’s chief executive, and what are his or

her powers and duties? Who are the other officials of state executive

branches?

Section 3: The State Executive Branch



Most governors

Must be U.S. citizens who have lived in the state for a certain number of years.

Must be at least 30 years old. Serve four-year terms with limits of one to

two terms.




Duties and powers of governors include Proposing laws and programs to the

legislature; approving or vetoing bills. Developing state budgets. Controlling state police and militia. Appointing officials and supervising

executive branch.




Other officials of the state executive branch, in most states: Lieutenant governor—succeeds governor;

presides over the Senate Secretary of state—keeps state records and

supervises elections Attorney general—in charge of legal business State treasurer—supervises all state funds




Other officials of the state executive branch, in most states: (continued)

State auditor (comptroller)—supervises the state’s financial records

Superintendent of public instruction—governs local school districts and distributes state funds




State Executive Agencies and Officials Help the governor carry out the laws Have specific areas of responsibility such as

agriculture, justice, labor, public safety, public works, or transportation

Officials of agencies are usually appointed by the governor.

Some jobs are filled through patronage.




Question: What are the powers and duties of the governor?

SECTION 3

Powers and Duties of the

Governor

1. Chief Legislator

2. Chief Executive

3. Political Party Leader

4. Other Powers



Section 4: State Courts

The Main IdeaState court systems include lower courts, general

trial courts, appeals courts, and state supreme courts.

Reading Focus What kinds of cases do state courts handle? How is the state court system organized? How are state judges selected?



State courts handle

Criminal cases, which deal with violations of the law that harm individuals or society.

Civil cases, which deal with disputes between individuals or business and generally involve money or property.




Four types of state courts and their responsibilities: Lower courts—handle minor civil cases

and misdemeanors; traffic cases, family-relations cases, and small claims

General trial courts—handle major criminal and civil cases




Four types of state courts and their responsibilities: (continued)

Appeals courts—handle appealed cases from the lower courts

State supreme court—handles appealed cases from the appeals court




Overcrowding in the courts causes problems. Calendars are often a year or more behind. People wait years for settlements. Jails are overcrowded with accused persons

awaiting trial. Crowding thwarts constitutional guarantee of

a speedy trial.




SECTION 4

State Courts

General Trial Courts:

Appeals Courts:

State Supreme Courts:

Lower Courts:

These courts hear minor cases, including misdemeanors and civil cases involving small amounts of money. They may also handle traffic violations, family disputes, and juvenile cases.

These courts hear major civil and criminal cases. Most involve a jury with a judge presiding.

These courts hear cases on appeal, deciding if the lower court handled the trial properly and gave the accused the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

These courts are the highest court in most states hearing cases on appeal.

Question: What are the responsibilities of each of the four types of state courts?



1. What is the term for the powers granted to state governments, and what are some examples?

2. How are the rules of state governments organized, and under what rule did they agree to cooperate with each other?

3. What conditions must be met in order for someone to serve as a state lawmaker?

4. How can citizens take direct action in legislation and state government?

5. Who heads the state executive branch, and what does the job require?

6. Who helps the governor run the state government?7. What types of courts exist in most states, and what does

each do?8. How does the appeals process work?

Chapter 8 Wrap-Up

chapter 8 state government

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