Federalism
A type of government where power is shared between the federal and state governments. Hint: It's in the title.
Federalism
What does it mean to PROPOSE an amendment?
To ask for, or suggest, a change to the constitution.
Which constitution works as the "supreme law of the land"?
The U.S. Constitution
The lawmaking branch that includes a House of Representatives and a Senate at both the federal and state level - called the Congress at the federal level and the state legislature at the state level - and which includes committees and departments at the local level.
The Legislative Branch
The level of government responsible for the postal service, passports, and coining / making / printing money is...
The Federal Government
What are reserved powers?
Powers not listed in the Constitution that are given to the states. According to Article IV (4) of the Constitution, all powers not listed in the Constitution are RESERVED for the State government. Example: set up schools, run elections, take care of state highways.
What does it mean to RATIFY an amendment?
To say yes to an amendment, to officially add it to the constitution as law.
Both the U.S. and Florida Constitutions set up three branches of government. What are these branches called?
Legislative - makes the laws
Executive - enforces the laws
Judicial - interprets the laws in court
The branch of government that has the President, Vice President, and Cabinet at the federal level; the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Cabinet at the state level; and mayors and city commissioners at the local level. In charge of enforcing laws and representing the government to others.
The Executive Branch
The level of government in charge of fire rescue and the police, animal control, collecting garbage, and regulating utilities (electric, gas, water) is...
The Local Government
What are enumerated / delegated powers?
Any power listed in the Constitution and specifically given to the federal government. Example: run the postal system, make treaties with foreign nations, declare war.
Who directly helps pass amendments to the Florida State Constitution?
The People! Citizens of Florida can directly vote to pass amendments.
Why do governments write constitutions? What is the purpose of a constitution?
A constitution provides a framework for government, limits government authority, and protects individual rights of the people.
The branch of government that includes the Supreme Court and all smaller courts at the federal and state levels. They are in charge of hearing cases and applying the law to those cases - thus interpreting what each law means. The U.S. Supreme Court can even decide a law is unconstitutional and get rid of it!
The Judicial Branch
The level of government responsible for setting up and maintaining schools, providing driver's licenses and marriage licenses, and helping citizens during a natural disaster (like a hurricane) is...
The State Government
What are concurrent powers?
Powers that both the federal and state governments have. Example: borrow money and collect taxes
Florida amendments can be PROPOSED by the legislature, revision commission, Florida voters, tax/budget commission, or a constitutional convention. What percentage of voters have to say yes to RATIFY the amendment?
60% of voters
Both the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution have four basic parts. Three of these parts have the same names in both Constitutions. What are they?
Hint: The introduction. The parts about the branch of government. The changes.
Preamble. Articles. Amendments.
Before a bill can be debated, edited, voted on, or ratified into law, the bill must first be _____ by someone in the legislative branch.
proposed. an idea. a suggestion. Someone has to say 'I think this should be a law' to start the whole process.
The level of government in charge of maintaining and protecting parks and nature preserves.
Federal, State, and Local. All three!
Which level and branch of government can declare war?
Federal Level. Legislative Branch, aka Congress.
2/3 of Congress OR 2/3 of State Legislatures are needed to PROPOSE an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. How much of the State Legislatures have to agree to RATIFY it?
3/4 of the States. 75% of the States.
Both the Florida Constitution and the U.S. Constitution have four basic parts. Three of these parts have the same names in both Constitutions. What are the names of the parts that DO NOT match, and which Constitution does each go with?
After a bill if proposed, debated, edited, and voted on in the legislative branch, it is given to the executive branch to be officially ratified. WHO signs bills into law at the federal level and at the state level?
The President signs bills into law at the federal level. The Governor signs bills into law at the state level.
Name one overlapping government service - or, a service provided by more than one level of government.
Running the court system, providing law enforcement, and maintaining green spaces like parks.