STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

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STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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THEME A -The Political Evolution of State
Government State constitutions in the
post-revolutionary War era contained provisions
for a relatively weak governor but a strong state
legislature, which in many cases appointed the
governor.
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1). The Jacksonian Era Multiplying the number of
elected officials and keeping them as weak as
possible.
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(2). The Progressive Response Desire to purify
politics and make government more efficient by
attaching the sources of partisan influence.
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The modern progressive school has had most
success at the state level, whereas the
Jacksonian conceptual framework, better adapted
to providing representation for minorities, has
achieved effectiveness in local government
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THEME B The Legal Context of State and Local
Government
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The Tenth Amendment which reserves powers to the
states, has had limited contemporary
significance, since the Supreme Court generally
refuses to restrict the exercise of federal
power. However, the states do possess powers
which are not prohibited by the Constitution.
The state police powers that is powers which
promote health, safety, and morals are especially
significant.
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1. Local Government exist only at pleasure of the
states - Dillion's Rule vs Home Rule Cities and
other divisions are municipal corporations
charted by the state via a special act or general
act charter.
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Dillion's rule provides that a charter's
application be interpreted very narrowly.
Home-run permits a broad interpretation. Under
Dillon's rule the city can do only what the
charter says it can do. Under home rule the city
can do anything not restrict by the charter.
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2. Progressive reform is evidenced by state
practices of initiative, referendum and recall.
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THEME C State and Local Government Structures
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State Governors 1. Serve one or two four year
terms 2. Run for office separately from the
lieutenant governor in most states - Nebraska
uses the team concept. 3. Have line item veto in
43 states
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State Legislatures 1. Reynolds v Sims (1964) -
one person, one vote called for massive
reapportionment 2. Have wide variation in
salaries 99,000 a year in California to 200 per
biennium in New Hampshire. 12,000 in Nebraska
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State Courts 1. Two kinds of trial courts -
minor or municipal and trial courts. At the top
is the state supreme court which can declare
state and federal laws unconstitutional.
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2. Five methods of picking judges - partisan
elections, nonpartisan elections, appointment by
governor, appointment by state legislature, and
the Missouri Plan (appointment and then stand for
election approval)
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Local Government The Mayor - Council
Plan Council - Manager Plan Commission
Plan Metropolitan Plan
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THEME D - POLITICS AND POLICIES. Progressive
structures usually employ experts who are
sensitive to national opinion and tend to be
trend setters. Jacksonian structures magnify the
political power of elected official who are more
aware of local opinion.
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SELF TEST
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1. In many American cities legislative and
executive powers are fused instead of
separated. True False
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1. In many American cities legislative and
executive powers are fused instead of
separated. True (Correct Answer) False
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2. The Tenth Amendment was designed as and
serves as a protection of exclusive state
governmental powers. True False
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2. The Tenth Amendment was designed as and
serves as a protection of exclusive state
governmental powers. True False (Correct Answer)
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3. The oldest state constitution, that of
Massachusetts, predates the U.S.
Constitution. True False
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3. The oldest state constitution, that of
Massachusetts, predates the U.S.
Constitution. True (Correct Answer) False
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4. State legislatures are essentially imitations
of the U.S. Congress. True False
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4. State legislatures are essentially imitations
of the U.S. Congress. True False (Correct
Answer)
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5. The problem of crime control has always been
high on the federal agenda. True False
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5. The problem of crime control has always been
high on the federal agenda. True False (Correct
Answer)
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6. Principles espoused by the Antifederalists
but adopted in many states included all of the
following except Numerous elected
officials. Indirect election of governors. Short
terms of office. Weak executives.
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6. Principles espoused by the Antifederalists
but adopted in many states included all of the
following except Numerous elected
officials. Indirect election of governors.
(Correct Answer) Short terms of office. Weak
executives.
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7. State constitutions resemble the federal one
in Setting forth governmental offices and
powers Including specific legislative
decisions. Including a bill of rights. Requiring
amendments to be adopted by a two-thirds
majority
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7. State constitutions resemble the federal one
in Setting forth governmental offices and
powers (Correct Answer) Including specific
legislative decisions. Including a bill of
rights. Requiring amendments to be adopted by a
two-thirds majority
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8. Which of the following statements about the
powers of governors to appoint other executive
officers is true? They are extensive. They are
restricted. They are parallel to those of the
president. They vary widely from state to state.
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8. Which of the following statements about the
powers of governors to appoint other executive
officers is true? They are extensive. They are
restricted. They are parallel to those of the
president. They vary widely from state to state.
(Correct Answer)