Vocab
Specialized court focused on one area of interest
What is Specialty Courts
What are the main qualifications to become governor?
U.S. citizen, live in the state for several years, and meet minimum age requirements
What is the ONLY state with a Unicameral Legislature
Nebraska
What is an appeal?
Request for trial to be reviewed if deemed unfair
What is the difference between reserved and concurrent powers?
Reserved are for the states, concurrent are shared between states and federal
Executive Head of a state
What is Governor
What is the purpose of the governor's cabinet?
Assists the governor with implementing state policies
What are the qualifications for becoming a state legislator?
U.S. citizen, live in district they represent, meet minimum age (21 for House, 25 for Senate)
What is the difference between civil and criminal cases?
Civil are between people/businesses, Criminal are where someone has broken a law
What does the Supremacy Clause state?
Federal law is the highest law of the land
Government system where power is divided between national and state
What is Federalism
What are three major powers or duties of the governor?
Judicial Powers, Clemency Powers, Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, Legislative Leader, Ceremonial Leader, etc.
What is the purpose of a committee in the lawmaking process?
Study and revise bills
What are the 3 main levels of most state court systems?
Trial, Appeals, Supreme
What are 3 issues the state government handle that the federal government cannot?
Schools, Elections, Police Protection, Licensing, Public Services, etc.
States returning suspects to original state where a crime was committed
Extradition
What is the role of the Lieutenant Governor?
Second-in-command, presides over Senate
What are 3 ways citizens can influence lawmaking?
Contacting Legislators, Petitions, Public Testimony, Work for Interest/Advocacy Groups, Vote in State/Local Elections
What are at least 2 reasons why state courts are often overcrowded?
Lack of Funding, Too Many Cases, Slow Processes, Not Enough Judges, etc.
What are interstate compacts?
Contract/Agreement between states on shared issues
State’s top lawyer and chief legal advisor
What is Attorney General
Name 3 examples of state agencies
Department of Health, Department of Education, and Department of Transportation
What are the steps for how a bill becomes a state law? There are 5 steps
1. Legislature introduces bill
2. Bill goes to committee for study and revision
3. Must pass both houses
4. Sent to governor (can veto or sign)
5. Legislature may override governor veto (Supermajority)
What are the requirements to be a state level judge?
Elected/Appointed, State Residency, Meet Minimum Age Requirements, and Licensed Attorney/Several Years of Experience
Why did early state constitutions give most power to the Legislature?
They were cautious of having a strong central government after British rule