1. Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution, 1787–Present
The American Nation
Chapter 8 – Section 4
State and Local Government
Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution, 1787–Present
Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

2. Things to understand when taking notes…
Key Terms
Powers of the state governments?
Constitutional initiative
Compare to national governments?
Services provided by state governments?
Powers of the local government?
Services provided by local governments?
Hints: Venn diagram, matrix chart… make be helpful in comparing national, state, and local governments.

3. State and Local Governments
Chapter 8, Section 4
How are state constitutions similar to and different from the national Constitution?
What services do state governments provide?
How do local governments affect our daily lives?

4. I. How State Constitutions Compare With the National Constitution
Chapter 8, Section 4
Similarities
Most state constitutions begin with a preamble.
Most state constitutions include a bill of rights.
State constitutions set up a government with three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial.
State constitutions can be amended.
Differences
Most state constitutions are longer and more detailed.
In many states, citizens can amend the constitution. In a process known as the constitutional initiative, people can gather signatures on a petition to amend the state constitution. If enough signatures are gathered, the petition goes to the legislature or to the voters.

5. II. Examples of Services Provided by States
Chapter 8, Section 4
Maintain law and order
Enforce criminal law
Protect property
Regulate business
Supervise public education
Provide public health and welfare programs
Build and maintain the state’s infrastructure, or system of roads, bridges, and tunnels
Operate state parks and forests
Regulate use of state-owned land
License professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and teachers

6. III. The Work of Local Governments
Chapter 8, Section 4
Local Government—government on the county, parish, city, town, village, and district level; get their powers from the state
Build and run local schools
Hire and support firefighters, police, and garbage collectors
Provide sewers and water
Maintain local roads
Maintain local hospitals
Conduct safety inspections of buildings and restaurants
May own and run water and sewage treatment plants
Provide libraries, parks, and other cultural and recreational facilities
May support airports, sports arenas, and civic centers

7. Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 4
Most state constitutions are similar to the national Constitution in that they
a) give the states the ability to deal with national issues.
b) are fairly short.
c) can only be amended by Congress.
d) set up three branches of government.
One service that county and city governments do NOT provide is
a) granting drivers’ licenses.
b) building and running schools.
c) supporting firefighters.
d) conducting safety inspections of restaurants.
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8. Section 4 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 4
Most state constitutions are similar to the national Constitution in that they
a) give the states the ability to deal with national issues.
b) are fairly short.
c) can only be amended by Congress.
d) set up three branches of government.
One service that county and city governments do NOT provide is
a) granting drivers’ licenses.
b) building and running schools.
c) supporting firefighters.
d) conducting safety inspections of restaurants.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.

9. Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
Chapter 8, Section 5
What makes a person a citizen of the United States?
How can Americans develop democratic values?
What are the responsibilities of citizenship?

10. What Is a Citizen?
Chapter 8, Section 5
A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a particular nation and is entitled to all its rights and protections.
To be a United States citizen:
You were born in the United States or at least one parent is a citizen.
You were naturalized, that is, you have completed the official legal process for becoming a citizen.
Many immigrants—people who enter another country to settle there—become naturalized citizens.
First, immigrants may have permission to stay in the country as resident aliens, or noncitizens living in the country.
You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.

11. Democratic Values Basic Values Such as honesty and compassion
Chapter 8, Section 5
Basic Values
Such as honesty and compassion
Patriotism
A feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country; inspires Americans to serve their nation
Respect
For ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and other members of our community
Responsibility
Both personal and public responsibility; responsibility for ourselves and the consequences of our actions
Physical and moral courage; doing the right thing even when it is unpopular, difficult, or dangerous
Civic Virtue—a willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at great sacrifice.

12. Responsibilities of Citizenship
Chapter 8, Section 5
Voting
Citizens must study the candidates and issues in order to make responsible choices.
Obeying the laws
We give the government the power to make laws for us, so we have a duty to obey the laws.
Defending the nation
Citizens must help defend the nation against threats to its peace or security, such as by serving in the military.
Serving the community
Many citizens offer their time and talents to improve their communities and help others.
Being informed
Citizens cannot protect their rights unless they know what they are and stay informed.
Serving on a jury
Citizens must take time out from their work and personal lives for jury duty, serving on a jury when called.

13. Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 5
One democratic value is moral courage, which means
a) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.
b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.
c) respecting the property of others.
d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.
Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will
a) register for jury duty at age 18.
b) enlist in the military without being called.
c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.
d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.
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14. Section 5 Assessment
Chapter 8, Section 5
One democratic value is moral courage, which means
a) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.
b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.
c) respecting the property of others.
d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.
Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will
a) register for jury duty at age 18.
b) enlist in the military without being called.
c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.
d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.