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13 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What do state constitutions show about how power is distributed in our federal system?
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Both the national and the state governments have power to govern in our federal system. The national government has limited power and reserves a good amount of power for the states. The U.S. Constitution requires every state constitution to support “a republican form of government”, but each state is left to organize its government as its citizen choose.
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Quorum
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A fixed number of people, often a majority, who must be present for an organization to conduct business. The purpose is to prevent an unrepresentative minority from making decisions in the name of the full organization.
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Nebraska (exception)
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The only state with a unicameral state legislature all others have bicameral.
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Amending State Constitutions
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Legislature may propose an amendment which is then submitted to voters for approval (3/4 approved). Citizens can petition for a public vote on a proposed amendment through the initiative process (1/2 enacted by voters).
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What are the roles of the state legislatures?
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1. enacting laws
2. levying taxes 3. creating budgets 4. apportionment of seats in the U.S. house of Representatives and state legislatures |
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Apportionment
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the distribution of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the state legislatures (based on population)
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Gerrymandering
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When lawmakers try to district boundaries in a manner that benefit themselves or other members of their party.
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Baker v. Car (1961)
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Legislative apportionment was a question for the state and federal courts to consider.
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Redistricting
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The redrawing of voting districts to reflect population changes.
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Reynolds v. Sims (1964)
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Election districts must be equal population, 1 person 1 vote.
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What are the roles of state governors?
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1. managing the executive branch
2. preparing the state budget 3. commanding the state National Guard 4. issuing executive orders 5. serve as ambassador for the state 6. play a major role in promoting its economic development |
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Executive Order
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Order issued to a government agency to accomplish a specific task or carry out a specific policy, differs from governor to governor.
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What are the roles of the state court systems?
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1. Trial courts handle most cases that affect citizens’ daily lives.
2. Lower-level trial courts include municipal courts and small claims courts 3. Higher-level courts deal with major criminal cases and lawsuits 4. Appeals courts handle cases that are appealed from trial courts. |
