State and Local Government Chapters 12 and 13

Federalism What is Federalism? A division of power between state and federal governments. The federal government is always higher Why do we have Federalism? To keep any part of government from getting too powerful. The Articles of Confederation is an example of the States being too powerful

Powers of State Government State governments have reserved powers. All of the powers that are not given to the federal government are reserved for the states. Enumerated (delegated) Powers- powers specifically given to the federal government. Reserved Powers- powers that are denied to the national government and given to the state. Concurrent Powers- Powers that are given to state governments and the national governments.

10th Amendment All rights that are not given to the federal government are reserved for the states.

Federal law is always higher than state law. Supremacy Clause Federal law is always higher than state law.

Gave Congress additional implied powers. It established that federal McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819) Gave Congress additional implied powers. It established that federal was more powerful than state law.

State governments are closer to the citizens. Therefore some people States Rights vs. Nationalists State governments are closer to the citizens. Therefore some people believe they are better able to make decisions for citizens than the national government.

State Legislatures Main job: To make laws for the state. Most states have a bicameral legislature with Senate and a House of Representatives. Leaders House of Representatives – Speaker of the House Senate – President. He is usually the Lieutenant governor.

Apportionment The most important job!! State legislatures draw the district lines for the United States House of Representatives. 1964 – Reynolds vs. Sims – district lines must be drawn equally. NO GERRYMANDERING!

Congressional district lines are drawn with about the same number of constituents (voters) in them. Gerrymandering Gerrymandering is drawing district lines to benefit one group politically.

State Executive Branch - The Governor Main Job: Enforce state law The governor is the head of state government. He is directly elected by the people . The lieutenant governor is the 2nd in command. The Governor = The President

The governor has the power of “line-item veto.” He can veto a part of a bill instead of the whole bill.

Roles of the Governor Judicial Leader – offers pardons and reprieves grants parole Ceremonial Leader – greets important visitors and represents the state Chief Executive – carries out state laws: appoints officials; prepares a budget Chief Legislator – Proposes legislation; approves or vetoes legislation Commander in Chief – in charge of the national guard (state militia) Party Leader – leads the political party in the state

State Court System

State Judicial Branch Main Job: Interpret state law State Supreme Court – Reviews decisions made by lower courts. Its main job is to interpret the Constitution of the state. State Appeals Courts – Reviews decisions from lower courts. General Trial Courts – Have jury trials for serious crimes called “felonies.” Municipal Courts – They handle “misdemeanors” (minor crimes). *State judges are elected not appointed!!

State Judicial Branch Main Job: Interpret state law *State judges are elected not appointed!! They are elected to terms from 6 to 12 years. Longer terms are intended to shield them from political pressure.

Home Rule is the right of a city to manage their own affairs. How cities are governed depends on home rule…. Home Rule is the right of a city to manage their own affairs. Alabama does not have home rule!

Key Points The County Sheriff is responsible for enforcing all of the laws within a county. State Legislatures gives the city governments power. Town meetings are an example of direct-democracy because every citizen gets a voice and a vote