State And Local Test 2

Front 1

Federalism

Back 1

System of government in which policy making autority is divided between a central government and regional government and that division is backed by Constitutional guarantees

Front 2

3 levels of law at State Level

Back 2

1) state constitutional law (and judicial interpretation)
2) statatuory law (legislation)
3) local laws (ordinances)

Front 3

Typical Judiciary Levels

Back 3

4)General court
3)Circuit court
2)Intermediate court of appeals
1)Supreme Court

Front 4

Reform ideal: State/Local Constitution/Charter

Back 4

brief documents (so people can understand), flexible and clear

Front 5

Reform ideal: Courts

Back 5

use of elected judges minimized; should be powerful, appointed by the executive and often confirmed later by vote

Front 6

Reform ideal: Legislature

Back 6

small, perhaps one house, if 2 keep as small as possible with equal representation; small helps voter pin accountablility; legislators need staffs to be effective; should be free of executive domination

Front 7

Methods of revising State Constitution

Back 7

1)constitutional convention
2)constitutional commission
3)constitutional initiate
4)constitutional amendment
5)legislative proposal

Front 8

Major trial courts

Back 8

limited to hearing less serious criminal and civil cases; many states have abolished justices of the peace and courts presided over by mayors and magistrates and have replaced them with county/municipal courts