State and Local governments Section 4 Chapter 8

I. State constitutions The Constitution divides power between the federal government and the states. 1. Federal Govt. deals with national issues 2. State Govt. has the power to meet local needs B. State Constitutions are set up much like the national Constitution 1. including a preamble and bill of rights. 2. more detailed often with provisions on finance, ed., and other matters 3. sets up the judicial, executive and legislative branches for the state 4. if a conflict arises, the supreme law of the land prevails (national Constitution)

C. Changing Constitutions State constitutions can be changed in several ways a. amendments proposed in state elections and approved by the people in an election b. Citizens can sponsor an amendment and gather signatures to a petition. When the required number of signatures are obtained, it goes to legislature or voters to approve. c. A state can rewrite its constitution. Voters or legislature must approve. New Constitution is voted on by the people

II. State services Maintain law and order and enforce criminal law Protect property and regulate businesses Supervise public education 1. schools are paid for and overseen by state 2. set general standards for schools and establishes courses of study 3. sets requirements for promotion and graduation D. Provide public health and welfare programs E. Build and maintain highways (infrastructure –roads, bridges and tunnels) F. Operate state parks and forests G. Regulate use of state owned land

III. Local Government Constitution does not mention local government government on the county, parish, city, town, village or district level They are created by the states and have only the powers and functions the states give them. The service that local govt. invests the most in is education Local govt. build schools and hire staff but they must follow state guidelines Other services include hire and support firefighters, police, garbage collectors, sewers and water, maintain local roads and much more