1. Background to State Government

2. Where Do States Get Their Power?
Tenth Amendment (Reserved Powers Clause)
- reserves powers for the states
- marriage/divorce laws, elections, education
Concurrent Powers
- powers shared by federal and state governments
- impose taxes and borrow money
Supremacy Clause
- part of Constitution that states the Federal Constitution is the supreme law of the land

4. Introduction to Missouri
Got its name from Sioux Indians
“town of the large canoes”
Nickname:
“The Show Me State”
Congressman Willard D. Vandiver

5. Not the 1st Missouri Constitution
1820
- 1st Constitution created following admission as a state
2 constitutions were made following the Civil War to get re-admitted into the US
Early 1900s
- constitution changed to include the initiative and referendum process
1940s
- current constitution created with several changes

6. Outline of the Missouri Constitution
Article 1 – Bill of Rights
Article 2 – Distribution of Power
Article 3 – Legislative Branch
Article 4 – Executive Branch
Article 5 – Judicial Branch
Article 6 – Local Government
Article 7 – Public Officers
Article 8 – Suffrage & Elections
Article 9 – Education
Article 10 – Taxation
Article 11 – Corporations, Railroads and Banks
Article 12 – Amending the Constitution
Article 13 – Public Employees
Three Branches of Government
* Areas of Focus

7. Preamble to the Missouri Constitution
We the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness, do establish this constitution for the better government of the state.

8. MO State Checks & Balances
Override Vetoes
Impeach
Confirm Appointments
Oversight
Judicial Review
Impeachment Trial
Veto
Call Special Sessions
Impeach
Creates Lower Courts
Judge Selection Committee
Selects Judges (MO Plan)
Pardon & Reprieve
Judicial Review
Impeachment Trial

9. Voting and Election Info.
General elections held in Nov. every 2 years
Primary elections allow parties to select candidates to run in general elections
Voting Requirements:
-18 yr. old (can register at 17 ½)
-Live in state/district
-Register to vote 21 days in advance
- Motor Voter Law ’95-allows citizens to register at DMV)

10. MO Law & Amendment
Voters approve all amendments to MO Constitution with 2/3 vote
Hancock Amendment - put limits on taxing/spending
Qualifications to be on Jury – resident, citizen, 21, speak English

11. State Government and the Public Good
Most people feel that state governments are responsive to people’s needs
State funded colleges and universities continue to see a rise in the number of students
States are constantly working to see how they can serve their citizens better