Levels of Government & Federalism
A resident of Boise has a concern about a city ordinance affecting their neighborhood. Which level of government would most directly address this issue?
What is local government?
How many legislative districts does Idaho have?
What are 35 districts?
Who is responsible for enforcing state laws in Idaho?
Who is the Governor?
What is the term for a tribe's authority to govern itself?
What is tribal sovereignty?
What type of law is the U.S. Constitution an example of: fundamental law or statutory law?
What is fundamental law?
The federal government creates laws that apply across the United States, while Idaho creates laws that apply within the state. What concept explains this division of power?
What is federalism?
Each Idaho legislative district elects how many representatives and senators?
Two representatives and one senator.
Who is responsible for enforcing local laws in Boise?
Who is the Mayor?
Name one responsibility or power of a tribal government.
Defining citizenship
Governing tribal citizens
Creating governing documents
Managing infrastructure
Overseeing tribal leadership.
What type of law is the Idaho Constitution an example of according to our class notes?
What is statutory law?
What are the four divisions of government discussed in class?
What are federal, state, county, and local government?
How many total members serve in the Idaho Legislature?
What are 105 legislators (70 representatives and 35 senators)?
How long is the term for the Governor of Idaho, and are there term limits?
Four years, with no term limits.
What is the name of the governing body that can make laws and appropriate funds for a tribe?
What is a tribal council?
What is the difference between an initiative and a referendum?
An initiative allows citizens to propose a law or policy for voters to consider. A referendum allows citizens to vote on a law that has already been passed.
What are the three branches of government, and what is the primary responsibility of each?
Legislative: Makes laws.
Executive: Enforces laws.
Judicial: Interprets laws.
A student says, "Idaho has 35 legislative districts, so there must only be 35 people serving in the Idaho Legislature."
Is the student correct?
No. Each of Idaho's 35 districts elects two representatives and one senator. That means each district has three legislators representing it, for a total of 105 legislators statewide.
Name at least four of Idaho's seven elected executive officers.
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State Controller
State Treasurer
Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Tribal governments may have their own legislative bodies and judicial branches. What is one responsibility of a tribal court?
Tribal courts interpret tribal laws.
What is the process called when citizens work to remove an elected official from office before their term ends?
What is a recall?
The federal government and the State of Idaho disagree about how an issue should be handled. Why is it important to have a division of power between these levels of government? Explain one benefit and one possible challenge.
Federalism allows both levels of government to have their own responsibilities and authority. It can help address issues at the appropriate level, but disagreements can occur when responsibilities overlap.
The U.S. Congress makes federal laws, while the Idaho Legislature makes state laws. Identify one similarity and two differences between these legislative bodies.
Both make laws for their respective levels of government.
Differences may include their leadership structures, bill introduction processes, Rules Committee, filibuster, or veto powers.
A student has two concerns:
Idaho needs to enforce a state law affecting public schools across Idaho.
Boise needs to enforce a local law involving city services.
Which executive officials are responsible for enforcing laws at each level, and how are their responsibilities different?
The Governor enforces state laws, while the Boise Mayor is responsible for enforcing local laws.
Why is it important to recognize tribal sovereignty when considering the relationship between tribal governments and the State of Idaho?
Tribal sovereignty recognizes the right of tribes to govern themselves.
The U.S. Constitution is shorter and broader, while the Idaho Constitution is longer and more detailed. Explain why this difference matters and how more specific state laws can affect people's everyday lives.
The U.S. Constitution establishes broad principles, while state constitutions and laws provide more detailed rules. Those specific rules help explain how broad constitutional principles are applied in everyday situations.