Background to State Government

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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)

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

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