Comparing State Governments

Flashcards comparing state governments based on lecture notes.

What is the aim of studying state governments?

To understand how individual states are governed and the similarities between the federal government and state governments.

How are state constitutions written?

State constitutions are generally written in special state conventions.

What do most state constitutions begin with?

A preamble and a bill of rights.

What are the three branches that powers are separated among in state governments?

Legislative, executive, and judicial.

To whom does legislative power belong?

The legislature.

To whom does executive power belong?

The state governor.

What holds judicial power?

The state courts.

What are state legislatures with an upper and lower house called?

Bicameral (two houses).

Which state has a unicameral legislature?

Nebraska.

How must legislative districts represent citizens?

They must represent citizens equally.

What do citizens vote for on a state level?

A State Senate and an assembly.

How can the legislature check the executive branch?

By overriding a governor's veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

What are a governor's executive powers?

Enforcing state laws and commanding the state militia (National Guard).

When may the National Guard be called to active duty?

To control a riot or rescue people from a disaster, or to serve within the Army and Air Force in wartime.

What is a state of the state address?

A message by the governor to the legislature identifying issues important to the governor.

What is a governor's cabinet?

The top executives who run the departments, who advise the governor.

What are some things states cannot do?

Issue money, declare war, negotiate treaties with foreign nations, collect taxes on trade with foreign nations/interstate trade, and their power to pas laws is limited by the Constitution.

What do state constitutions contain?

Contain many details and set limits on taxes.

What are the steps in a state constitutional amendment process?

A proposed amendment is introduced in a bill adopted by the state legislature, and then voted upon by the people of the state.

Besides governor and lieutenant governor, what other state officials can voters elect?

Comptroller, attorney general, and judges.

How do states promote the general welfare of its citizens?

Operating public schools, issuing licenses (marriage, liquor, professional), and business incorporation.

How do states offer police protection?

State police patrol highways and most criminal cases are tried in state courts.

What are some functions of state governments?

Education, licensing, business incorporation and regulation, aid to citizens, police protection, elections, and public works.

What are the main sources of state revenue?

Taxes and other fees, and grants-in-aid (federal funds).

What contributes the largest sum to most state revenues?

State sales taxes.

What are some differences among the states?

Terms of office and limits on how long governors can serve.

What is the special status of Puerto Rico?

A commonwealth with a governor and a two-house legislature elected by the people, represented in the House by a nonvoting member.

What is a Commonwealth?

A nation, a state, or political unit of law in which the supreme authority is vested in the people.

Which states compete for tourism and businesses?

California, Florida, and Texas.

What are examples of limits on interstate competition?

New York State cannot prevent motorists with Florida license plates from using New York highways, and a family from Texas cannot be denied access to California’s public schools.

What two clauses in the Constitution guarantee that no state can discriminate against the citizens of other states?

Full faith and credit, and privileges and immunities.

What does 'full faith and credit' mean?

Every state must accept as valid the court decisions and official records of other states.

What are 'privileges and immunities'?

Visitors from other states are entitled to the same services and protection as residents of that state.

What is an example of states helping each other to solve common problems?

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey which operates bridges, tunnels, airports, etc.

What is an interstate compact?

An agreement between two or more states to address common issues.