ce7 state governmen study guide- ce67a structure of government
CE7 State Government Study Guide - CE67a Structure of Government
1. What is the structure of state government?
- The structure of state government consists of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities to ensure a system of checks and balances.
2. Executive Branch:
- The executive branch is headed by the governor, who is the chief executive of the state. The governor is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and policies.
- Other key officials in the executive branch include lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and various executive departments and agencies.
3. Legislative Branch:
- The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It typically consists of a bicameral legislature, with two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives/Assembly.
- State legislators are elected by the people and represent various districts or constituencies within the state.
- The legislative branch also includes committees, where bills are reviewed and debated before they can become law.
4. Judicial Branch:
- The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting and applying laws. It serves as the court system for the state.
- State courts usually have a hierarchical structure, with a state Supreme Court at the highest level, followed by appellate courts, and trial courts.
- Judges in the judicial branch are typically appointed or elected, depending on the state's laws.
5. Relationship between the branches:
- The executive branch enforces the laws passed by the legislative branch, while the judicial branch interprets them.
- The legislative branch has the power to pass laws, approve budgets, and exercise oversight over the executive branch.
- The judicial branch ensures that laws and actions are in compliance with the state constitution.
6. Powers and responsibilities:
- The executive branch is responsible for executing and enforcing laws, managing state agencies, and proposing a budget.
- The legislative branch is responsible for passing laws, approving budgets, and conducting oversight of the executive branch.
- The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws, resolving disputes, and ensuring justice is served.
7. State vs. federal balance of power:
- State governments have powers and responsibilities granted to them by their state constitutions, while the federal government has powers granted to it by the U.S. Constitution.
- State governments have the authority to regulate matters that affect their individual states, such as education, transportation, and public health.
- The federal government has certain powers that extend across all states, such as national defense, foreign relations, and interstate commerce.
Remember to refer to your state's specific constitution and laws for more detailed information on the structure and functions of state government.