lessons 2-3
What kind of powers are shared by both federal and state governments?
concurrent powers
In most states, governors...
are limited to serving two terms
What is the main role of state secretaries of state?
to oversee elections in the state
Why do some communities form village governments?
to improve local services and address local issues
The main source of revenue for most states is
property tax.
What is an important duty of the governor as chief executive?
preparing the state’s budget
What is the main role of state auditors?
to ensure state funds are spent wisely
What document does a state legislature agree to that allows a city to become incorporated?
city charter
What economic challenge do state legislators face?
They must have a balanced budget.
Many governors have a special veto power that allows them to
veto specific parts of a bill.
Criminal cases heard by state lower courts typically involve
misdemeanors.
What is an example of an ordinance?
law on speed limits on city streets
In the 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr, the court ruled that
legislative districts must have about the same population.
What is an important duty of the governor as legislative leader?
to propose new bills
In civil cases, the judge or jury must decide
whether to rule in favor of the plaintiff or defendant.
The main legislative body in most counties is
the board of county commissioners.
In most states someone can become a state senator if they are
at least 21 and a resident of the state for at least 7 years.
Unlike federal judges, judges in state supreme courts generally
have terms of 6 to 10 years.
The main job of an appellate court is to
decide if errors were made in cases from lower courts.
How do city commissioners differ from city council members?
They also have executive power.