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CIVICS IN PRACTICEHOLT
Chapter 8
State GovernmentSection 1:The StatesSection 2:State LegislaturesSection 3:The State Executive BranchSection 4:State Courts
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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
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State Powers
Election oversight Education Police protection
Public building programs
Health and safety Highways
Section 1: The States
Concurrent powers, like taxation, are exercised by both state and federal governments.
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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
Section 1: The States
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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.
Section 1: The States
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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: The States
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SECTION 1
Powers Reserved for the States
Federal
concurrent
State
Question: What types of powers are reserved for the states?
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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
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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.”
Section 2: State Legislatures
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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.
Section 2: State Legislatures
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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.
Section 2: State Legislatures
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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.
Section 2: State Legislatures
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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:
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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
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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.
Section 3: The State Executive Branch
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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.
Section 3: The State Executive Branch
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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
Section 3: The State Executive Branch
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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
Section 3: The State Executive Branch
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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.
Section 3: The State Executive Branch
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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
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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?
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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.
Section 4: State Courts
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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
Section 4: State Courts
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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
Section 4: State Courts
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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
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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?
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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