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Understanding State Governments: Structure, Responsibilities, and Citizen Involvement

State governments in the U.S. operate similarly to the federal government but on a smaller scale, guided by their own constitutions that must align with the U.S. Constitution. Each state legislature, responsible for creating laws and managing public services, reflects the public's needs through initiatives and referendums. In Georgia, for instance, the bicameral General Assembly is vital in decision-making. State executives like governors and secretaries handle budgets and legal matters. With 99% of legal cases processed in state courts, understanding state governance is essential for citizen engagement.

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Understanding State Governments: Structure, Responsibilities, and Citizen Involvement

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  1. State Government

  2. State Governments • Set up Exactly the same as our Federal Government-only on a smaller scale

  3. 1. State Constitutions • A. Each state has its own Constitution • B. This state constitution cannot conflict with the U.S. Constitution

  4. C. State Constitutions strive to meet the people’s needs and it lists the state’s responsibilities to the people • This is an example of a social contract

  5. D. State constitutions are quite long • E. Have been revised frequently • Ex. Alabama & S. Carolina were forced in the aftermath of the Civil War to rewrite their existing constitutions. Why do you think? • What might affect the contents of a state constitution?

  6. State Government & the People • State Governments must answer to their citizens in ways the Federal Government need not.

  7. 2. How to get involved in State Government • A. Initiative-petition • B. Referendum-popular vote • C. Recall-remove elected official • 18 states can recall their governor

  8. 3. State Legislative Branches • Have the power to • A. Ask for & collect taxes • B. Borrow money for the state • C. Set up courts • D. Set up public schools

  9. 4. State Legislative Branches also • Are in charge of protecting their citizens=policepower • A. Promoting public health • B. Public safety • C. Morals • D. General welfare

  10. 5. Georgia State Legislature • A. Known as Georgia General Assembly • B. Bicameral • House and Senate

  11. 6. Georgia’s General Assembly a. Term Length Senate = 4 yrs House = 2 yrs b. Age Senate = 25 House = 21 c. Session: 5-6 months

  12. State Legislators a. Salary $200-60,000 per year b. All states are bicameral with exception of Nebraska c. All state legislators are assigned to committees

  13. 7. Local State Legislators • Tim Golden- Senate • Ellis Black- House • Amy Carter- House • Jason Shaw- House

  14. State Executive Branches

  15. 8. State’s Chief Executiveand what are his/her duties • A. Governor • Serves 4 years (ex. NH, VT) • Age varies- typically 30 yrs • Has power to veto • Has power to item veto • has power to pardon

  16. 9. Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal

  17. 10. Governor Duties • A. Makes plans for the state • B. Gives ideas for laws • C. Helps decide how to spend state’s money

  18. 11. Second in Charge • Lieutenant governor • A. Leads State Senate • B. Takes over if Governor dies, quits or is removed

  19. 12. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle

  20. 13. Secretary of State Brian Kemp • Secretary of State • Every state except AS, HA, UT • A. Records actions of both Governor & Legislature

  21. 14. State Treasurer Steve McCoy • State Treasurer • A. In charge of state’s money • B. Make payments out of state’s treasury

  22. 15. Attorney General Sam Olens • Attorney General • A. State’s lawyer • B. Represents the state in court • C. Gives legal advice

  23. 16. State Judicial Branches • Most legal rules that affect our every day lives are handled in state courts • State courts handle 99% of all court cases in the U.S.A. • State Courts Include • 1. trial courts • 2. appeals courts • 3. special courts State judges are elected from a list created by a state’s governor.

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