1. C3.3(3) 49 states have a bicameral legislature
2 houses
House of Rep and Senate
Nebraska has a unicameral legislature
One house
States are divided into districts
Each district should have about the same population

2. C3.3(3) Michigan’s capital: Legislative Branch Lansing
State divided into 15 congressional districts
110 Representatives
38 Senators
Difference between state and federal rep’s
State: works in state capital
Federal: works in Wash, D.C.

3. C3.3(3) Executive Branch Governor
Acts much like the president of the state
Lieutenant Governor
Acts much like the V.P. of the state
Secretary of State
Keeps state records
Carries out election laws
Attorney General
Takes care of the state’s legal issues
State Treasurer
Supervises the collection of state taxes

4. C3.3(3) State Courts Judges are elected Criminal Cases Civil Cases
Deal with violations of the law
Civil Cases
Deal with disputes between individuals or businesses
Plaintiff
Person or business filing a complaint

5. C3.3(3) Michigan Court System Structure Trial Courts (lowest level)
Circuit
civil cases with claims of more than $25,000 and all felony criminal cases
if found guilty, could be sent to prison
District
traffic violations, all civil cases with claims up to $25,000,
most traffic tickets, and all misdemeanor criminal cases
if found guilty, cannot be sentenced to more than one year in jail
Probate
wills,
appoints guardians

6. C3.3(3) Courts of Appeal (middle level) Supreme Court (highest level)
Hear appeals of lower court decisions
Supreme Court (highest level)

7. C3.3(3)
How We Pay for State and Local Gov’t