Chapter 23 Review State Government
The U.S. Constitution reserves many powers for the states in what Amendment? Tenth Amendment
What is the supreme law of the land in West Virginia? The Constitution of the United States and treaties made
West Virginia has had how many constitutions? two
The introductory section of the West Virginia constitution is called the - preamble.
The branch of state government that is responsible for administering the laws is the executive branch
Changes in the West Virginia Constitution are known as Amendments
The total number of amendments added to the West Virginia constitution is 71 (As of 2000)
Name the four broad principles on which the United States and West Virginia constitutions are based. Popular sovereignty Limited government Separation of powers Checks and balances
Where do all powers come from and rest with? The people
Means the people are all powerful Popular sovereignty
The government is not above the law, it must exist under the rule of law, is an example of how the government’s power is what? limited
The idea that too much power given to one person or group could threaten people’s freedom explains what basic principal of government? separation of powers
Legislature makes laws – Governor can veto, is an example of what concept? checks and balances
In what two ways may the state constitution be amended? 1.By the legislature, approved by the people 2.By a constitutional convention
What is the law-making body for the state? Legislature
What does the judicial branch consist of? The Supreme Court of Appeals and other state courts
What is the basic function of the Legislature? Make laws
The bicameral Legislature consist of what two houses? Senate House of Delegates
The number of state senators is - Thirty-four senators, two from each seventeen districts
The House of Delegates has how many members? One hundred delegates from fifty- six districts
The number of seats in the senate and the house are determined by a process called what? Apportionment
What happens every ten years? Census
To bring charges of wrongdoing against, any officer of the state. Impeach
What is the term of a state senator? Four-year terms
What is the term of the house delegate? Two-year terms
Members of both houses may be re-elected how many times? Unlimited
When do regular sessions of the Legislature begin? Second Wednesday of January of each year
How long does the regular session last? Sixty-days
The Governor will make recommendations for legislative consideration in his opening speech called what? State of the State Address
Which house of the legislature has the power to impeach? House of Delegates
Which house of the legislature hears the impeachment? Senate
Who is the presiding officer of the senate? President of the Senate
Who is the leader of the House of Delegates? Speaker of the House
If the Governor’s office becomes vacant, who acts as governor until the vacancy is filled? President of the senate
How is most of the work in the legislature done? Through committees
Who are some of the most influential members of the legislature because they determine which bills are discussed in their committees? Chairpersons of Committees
How do laws begin? As bills
Once both houses pass a bill it is sent where? To the Governor for signing
Who is the state’s chief executive? The governor
What three actions can the governor take when presented with a bill passed by the Legislature? 1.Sign it into law 2.Let it become law without his signature 3.Veto the bill
What is the governor’s greatest control over the legislature? Veto
The governor, secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, commissioner of agriculture, attorney general, and state superintendent of schools are collectively known as the board of public works
Chief election officer and the keeper of the Great Seal are duties of what office? Secretary of State
Who is the states official bookkeeper? He examines and approves all invoices and maintains records of money received and spent by the state? Auditor
Who is the keeper of the state’s funds? He handles the money collected by state agencies and pays the bills approved by the auditor? Treasurer
Who is responsible for implementing legislation relating to agriculture, horticulture, and similar industries in West Virginia? Commissioner of Agriculture
Who represents the state in court cases and provides legal opinions and advise to state officials and county prosecuting attorneys? Attorney General
Who oversees the state’s Consumer Protection/Antitrust Division? Attorney General
In 1994 who was the second largest employer in the state? Government
The Judicial Branch is under the supervision of what court? Supreme court of appeals
What is the highest court in the state? Supreme court of appeals
Name the four major functions of the state court system. Hear and decide civil cases Protect constitutional rights of citizens Determine innocence or guilt of criminal acts Act as a check and balance on the other branches of government
How many justices are on the highest court? Five
What is the length of the term for justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals? Twelve-year term
The Supreme Court has the power to determine if state laws are constitutional, this power is known as what? Judicial review
What is West Virginia’s only trial court of record? Circuit court
There are 154 of these courts statewide. magistrate court
What is a city or town with a government called? Municipality
What is the basic purpose of any government? To provide services
The plan of revenue and expenditures is a what? Budget
What tax usually generates the largest amount of revenue for the state? Personal income tax
What kind of spending is prohibited by the West Virginia constitution? Deficit spending
What tax usually generates the second greatest amount of revenue for West Virginia? Sales tax
sometimes called luxury taxes, are levied on products such as beer, firearms, and gasoline. Excise tax