State and Constitution
What Amendment outlines the powers of the State Government in the Constitution?
The Tenth Amendment
What are the powers that the states are given?
Collect taxes, regulate industry, provide police protection, establish schools
Who is the chief officer of a state's executive branch?
The governor
What structure is created to administer state laws and policies?
Counties
What does the term "grassroots" mean in politics?
Those closest to the people, the lowest level in the process
According to the Constitution, the states retain all powers not specifically delegated to what?
The national government, also referred to as the Federal Government
What are the three primary responsibilities of each state?
Public safety - Enforcing laws, providing for education, public health and safety.
Commercial regulation - ensuring that businesses operate according to the laws of the state.
Political subdivision oversight - keeping counties, cities, and towns accountable regarding safety, taxation and regulation.
How do most states generate revenue in order to fund the government?
Taxes and federal grants
The governing body of a county is called what?
A Board of Commissioners or a Board of Supervisors
Who is the Governor of North Carolina?
Josh Stein, the 76th governor of NC.
What does the Constitution prohibit states from doing?
Coining money, entering into binding agreements with other states or nations, (treaties), or declaring war.
What is the legal term for returning an alleged criminal to the state in which he is charged?
Extradition
Who is the "vice president" of a state?
The Lieutenant governor
What type of local government do we have in Raleigh, North Carolina?
A City Council and a mayor, elected by the people, and a city manager hired by the council.
Citizens are allowed to make changes to their state constitutions or laws by a general vote for a direct decision. What is this process called?
Referendum. A single political question has been referred to them.
What is the "privileges and immunities clause"
Privileges enjoyed by U.S. citizens must be respected in all states. (1st Amendment rights, etc.)
What is the term used to describe when states recognize the validity of certain privileges of one or more other states?
Reciprocity
An example would be teaching licenses.
Most judges are determined by "gubernatorial appointment." What does this term mean?
Appointed by the governor
What are the responsibilities of a local/county government?
Taxes, zoning, maintenance of roads, law enforcement, prisons, education, etc.
What is an "initiative" in state or local politics?
When a specified number of voters propose changes to the state constitution or laws, the decision is placed on the ballot for a vote.
According to Article IV, Section 1, each state is required to respect the laws, official records, and judicial decisions of other states. What is this called?
"Full faith and credit clause"
What are the three branches of the state government?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
What is the highest court in the state judicial system?
The State Supreme Court
What is an example of a "special district?"
School district
Library district
Fire department district
Sanitation district
Housing district
If people were extremely dissatisfied with an elected official at the state or local level, what can they do?
Hold a special "recall" election to remove the official.