Federalism Facts
This clause in Article VI establishes that the U.S. Constitution and national laws take precedence over state laws in a conflict. AKA: National Laws > State Laws
What is the Supremacy Clause?
Name the bicameral legislative body that makes state laws for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What is the General Assembly?
How long is the term of office for Virginia's Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General?
What is 4 years?
Which state department is responsible for maintaining the schools and implements the SOLs in Virginia?
What is the Virginia Department of Education?
Which 1st floor court has original jurisdiction over minor crimes (misdemeanors) and traffic cases, decided by a judge only?
What is the General District Court?
Powers strictly kept for state governments under the 10th Amendment are called this.
What are Reserved Powers?
What are the two chambers that make up Virginia's General Assembly?
What are the Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates?
Which executive officer serves as the chief legal officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Who is the Attorney General?
Which state department is responsible for maintaining state roads and highways in Virginia?
What is VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)?
Serious crimes called felonies and major civil lawsuits are heard in this 2nd floor court by a judge and jury.
What is the Circuit Court?
Expressed Powers, such as coining money, declaring war, and maintaining armed forces are held by this level of government
What is national
In the 5-step VA lawmaking process, what step occurs directly after a member introduces a bill?
What is Committee review?
When the Governor proposes legislation, signs/vetoes bills, or delivers speeches to the General Assembly, they are fulfilling this key role.
What is Chief Legislator?
Which agency conducts restaurant inspections and monitors public health across the state?
What is VDH (Virginia Department of Health)?
These judicial officers perform tasks such as issuing search warrants, arrest warrants, and setting bail.
Who are Magistrates?
Powers held and exercised simultaneously by both national and state governments, like levying taxes and building roads, are called this.
What are Concurrent Powers?
What fraction vote is required in both houses of the General Assembly to override a Governor's veto?
What is a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote?
Serving as the ceremonial head of state government describes which official role of the Governor?
What is Chief of State?
Protecting Virginia's natural water, air, and environmental resources is the primary duty of this agency.
What is DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality)?
Which specialized court holds original jurisdiction over legal matters involving individuals under 18 and family disputes?
What is the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court?
In Federalist No. 51, James Madison explains that dividing power between levels and branches creates this system to protect individual liberties.
What are Checks and Balances?
After a state constitutional amendment is proposed by the General Assembly, who must approve it for it to be ratified?
Who are Virginia voters (in a statewide election)?
In the role of Commander-in-Chief at the state level, the Governor serves as head of this defense force.
What is the Virginia state National Guard?
Who appoints state department heads and cabinet members to assist in administering executive agencies?
Who is the Governor?
What is the highest court in Virginia, possessing appellate jurisdiction and judicial review over state laws?
What is the Supreme Court of Virginia?