Who is the head of the executive branch at the federal/national level?
the president
Who is the head of the executive branch at the state level?
the governor
What county do we live in?
Dubuque County
Identify the state of Iowa
Put the levels of government in order from highest in the US to lowest.
Local, Federal/National, State
Federal/National
State
Local
Who/what is the head of the legislative branch at the federal level?
Congress (includes the House of Representatives and Senate)
the Iowa State Legislature (includes the House of Representatives and Senate)
Which town in our county is our county seat? Hint: This is where our county offices are located.
Dubuque (offices are downtown on Central)
to make the laws
What is the role of the executive branch?
to enforce the laws (ensure they are being followed)
Where does the federal/national government get its power from?
The US Constitution
Where does the Iowa State Government get its power from?
The Iowa State Constitution (but it also must follow the US Constitution)
Counties have three main sources of money: the federal government, the state, and the county itself. Which of those is the BIGGEST source of money for the county?
The county itself (property taxes)
What is the role of the judicial branch?
to interpret the laws (what do they mean/how do they apply in different situations)
What is the name of Iowa's current governor?
Kim Reynolds
How many justices are on the Supreme Court?
9
How many justices are on the Iowa State Supreme Court?
7
Give 3 examples of services provided by a county.
public works & transportation, records department, human services, environment/land management, justice, public safety, community health, parks & recreation, board of education, community/economic development, finance department
Give one example of a power that does NOT belong to the states. (Hint: what can't states do because that power belongs to the federal government?)
grant titles, start war, create treaties, tax goods from other states...
What is the state capital of Iowa?
Des Moines
What is the difference between the Supreme Court and the various state courts?
Supreme Court = handles issues that deal with the US Constitution
State courts = handles everyday issues or issues with the state supreme court
Give 1 example of a power that belongs to the states (these are implied powers that are given to the states because the constitution does NOT explicitly give them to the federal government).
professional licenses, taxes, education, traffic laws, animal laws, criminal punishments, adoption, selling/buying property, emergency services, marriage...
Challenge: How many counties are in the state of Iowa?
99
The US Supreme Court and the Iowa Supreme Court both have an odd number of justices (or judges). Why?
When the court votes, an odd number helps them reach a decision faster (odd number = less likely to have a tie)
From the WebQuest: What is Iowa's minimum wage for workers? (Hint: this is also the federal minimum wage)
$7.25/hour