State and Local Government Chapters 12 and 13

Powers of State Government Federalism What is Federalism? A division of power between state and federal governments. Why do we have Federalism? To keep any part of government from getting 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. However, federal (national) law is always higher than state law.

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!

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

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!!

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!