1. Vocabulary
Initiative- First step for citizens to force a vote on an issue, usually involves a petition
Referendum- Act of citizens voting on a new or changed law
Tuition vouchers- Public funding that allows students to private schools
Zoning Laws- Determine the kind and location of structures that may be built
Extra territorial jurisdiction- Controversy where cities are expanding that involves annexation
Town Meeting- Town members meet to discuss solutions to problems
Public Hearing- Allow citizens to attend but must request to voice opinions
Public Forum- Conducted to allow citizens to voice their opinions

2. Warm up? What power do Senators have to delay a vote on a bill?
Filibuster

3. Conflicts and Local Government

4. Issues Budget Issues Zoning issues
How local governments should spend money and how citizens should be taxed
Zoning issues
Conflict between business interest and residential/historic areas.
Zoning Laws
Determine what kind of structures can be built, where they may be built, and what standards they must meet

5. Extra Territorial Jurisdiction
Issue for communities where cities are growing and wanting to expand
Involves annexation
Cities expand into previously independent areas
Why is this controversial?
Some citizens like being included because they are able to take advantage of a cities infrastructure (utilities, sewage, water) and services (police, fire and waste management)
These services mean higher taxes

6. Public Discussion
Local governments address issues in the following ways:
Town Meetings
Smaller towns meet to discuss solutions
Public Hearing
Held by city councils and county commissions
Citizens can attend and request to be heard
Public Forums
Conducted specifically for the purpose of allowing citizens to voice their opinion

7. Citizens, Politics and the Media
What is the most common way citizens voice their opinions?
Voting
If citizens believe officials are failing to perform the duties of their office they can hold what kind of election?
Recall election

8. Local Initiative Local Referendum
Enough citizens in a city, town , etc. sign a petition forcing a vote on an issue
Local Referendum
A community is asked to vote on a new or changed law
What can citizens join if they feel very strongly about an issue and want to make a difference?
Interest Group (MADD, The Sierra Club, NRA)
Want to influence public policy (laws)

9. Schooling
Democrats argue that funding for public schools should be increased, Republicans voice support for:
Tuition vouchers
Students may attend private schools with the help of public funding
Charter schools

10. What are examples of electronic media?
How do most people stay informed about issues? Where do they get their info. From?
The Media
What are examples of electronic media?
TV, Radio, Internet

11. reflection
How can Senators delay a vote for a Bill that they disagree with?
What issues do local communities face?
In what ways do local governments address issues?
What is the most common way citizens voice their opinions?
If citizens believe a government official is failing to perform duties required of office, what kind of election can be held?
What conflict occurs between Democrats and Republicans in regard to schooling?

12. Closing?
What is the main difference between a public hearing and a public forum?
At a Public Hearing you must request to be heard. The purpose of a Public Forum is to allow citizens to voice their opinion.