Topic 13

Each state has a written constitution which is the state’s supreme law Each constitution was created with the principles of popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers and checks and balances All state constitutions can be described in six general categories: basic principles, civil rights, governmental structure, governmental powers, processes for change, and miscellaneous provisions Almost all State constitutions are in need of reform because they are out of date.

 Lawmaking branch of all State governments  Sets out formal requirements of age, citizenship, and residence for legislators  All state legislatures are organized much like Congress  Can pass laws that do not conflict with federal law or with any part of the State’s constitution  Each State legislature includes police power (power to protect and promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare) and constituent power (the power to make constitutions and amendments)

 A governor is the chief executive of a State and is popularly elected  In most states, the governor serves a four-year term  In nearly every State, the governor shares power with other executive officers who are also popularly elected (lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, and the attorney general)  Governors in most States have powers of appointment and removal along with supervisory, budget- making, and military powers.  Judicial powers include: clemency (mercy), pardon (release a person from being punished for a crime), commutation (reduce the sentence imposed by a court), grant a reprieve (postponement of a sentence), or grants parole (sets a prisoner free before finishing a sentence)

 Law is the code of conduct governing society. It is made up of several forms of law: constitutional law, laws based on the U.S. and State constitutions, statutory law, administrative law, and common law  Law can also be classified as criminal or civil  Criminal law: involves cases brought against people accused of committing crimes (felony or misdemeanor)  Civil law: relates to disputes between private parties and between private parties and government (punishment by fines)

 Jury: group of people selected to hear evidence and decide questions of fact in a court case  Preliminary hearing: the first step in a major criminal trial in which the judge decides if enough evidence exists to hold an accused person for action by the grand jury or prosecutor

 County: major unit of local government in most states that are often divided into townships  A county typically has four major elements: a governing body, a number of boards or commissions, appointed bureaucrats, and a variety of elected officials  Special district: an independent unit created to perform one or more related governmental functions at the local level (ex: school districts, districts that provide water, police protection, and park maintenance)

 The 50 States provide many services to their citizens  Welfare: cash assistance to the poor  Entitlement: a benefit that federal law says must be paid to all those who meet the eligibility requirements (Medicare, food stamps, veterans’ pensions)  In most states the largest source of revenue is State taxes. Another significant source of revenue is sales tax (tax that is placed on the sale of various commodities)  Regressive Tax: one that does not vary according to a person’s ability to pay

 Income tax: collected on the earnings of individuals and corporations. Individual income tax is usually a progressive tax (higher your income, the more tax you pay)  Property tax: largest source of income for local governments; levy on real property such as land or personal property, which includes bank accounts  Assessment: process of determining the value of the property to be taxed  State Budget: is a financial plan for the use of public money, personnel, and property.