New Mexico's State Government

New Mexico's State Government

Objective: I will be able to explain how N.M.'s Constitution supports government and what responsibilities the citizens have.

New Mexico's State Government

While the national government is very powerful, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that it has only very specific powers. All other powers remain with state governments and with the people. Every state has a plan for the structure and functions of the state government. In New Mexico, this plan was written in 1910 and is called the New Mexico Constitution. 

Preamble to N. M.'s Constitution

The preamble of the New Mexico Constitution states: "We, the people of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty, in order to secure the advantages of a state government, do ordain and establish this constitution."

Open Ended

What does the preamble tell you about the people who wrote it?

Multi-Cultural Constitution

Although every state has a constitution. New Mexico's constitution differs from most other states. For example, Article II of the New Mexico Constitution is a bill of rights in addition to the Bill of Rights already provided by the U.S. Constitution.

N.M. Constitution Article II Sec. 5...

"The rights, privileges and immunities, civil, political and religious guaranteed to the people of New Mexico by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo shall be preserved inviolate."

Multi-Cultural Constitution

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo served many purposes, but one was to provide rights to the people living in Mexico who became U.S. citizens. Other sections of the constitution also reflect sensitivity to the many cultures that thrive in New Mexico.

Multiple Choice

New Mexico's Constitution includes the rights given to New Mexicans in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

State Government Supports Other Levels of Government

Not only does our state constitution outline and define the state government, it also helps support other levels of government. Since every citizen of New Mexico is also a citizen of the United States, the programs and laws that help New Mexicans also help the nation.

Multiple Choice

New Mexico's programs and laws only help New Mexico's government not the national government.

Local Government

In addition to the federal and state government, New Mexicans are governed by local governments. Local governments include counties, cities, and towns.

County Government

New Mexico is divided into 33 counties. One town in each county is the county seat where the county government is located. Each county is run by county commissioners who are elected to four-year terms.

 The job of the county commissioners includes:

• Creating and adopting the county budget.

• Imposing and collecting taxes.

• Making spending decisions.

• Enacting ordinances and resolutions (local laws)

• Supervising county road construction and maintenance

Multiple Select

Check ALL the examples of local governments.

• City government

• County government

• Federal government

• Town government

Multiple Choice

For how many years are county commissioners elect to serve?

• 2 year terms

• 4 year terms

• 6 year terms

• lifetime term

Multiple Choice

Part of the county Commissioners job is to Impose and collect taxes.

City Government

New Mexico has 103 municipalities, or city governments. Each is governed by one of the following:

* Mayor & City Council

* City manager & City Council

* Commissioners

City Government

The city council acts as a legislative branch with the mayor or city manager as the chief executive. Both counties and cities make laws called ordinances. They provide services for Police and fire Protections, water, sewage, streets, libraries, and hospitals.

Multiple Choice

City governments are called...

• Municipalities

• Police Force

• Fire & Rescue

• Federalists

Multiple Choice

What are ordinances?

• suggestions

• thoughts

• laws

• fruit

Multiple Select

Check ALL the things City Governments provide for.

• Sewer

• Police

• Libraries

• National Guard

Civic Duties

Civics is the branch of Political science that deals with the rights and duties of citizens. Citizens have a responsibility to take part in government. Adults get to choose who will lead the country, their state, their tribe, and their community. They do this by voting during elections. People who are citizens of the United States, and who are at least 18 years old, can vote.

Multiple Choice

What is Civics?

• The rights and duties of citizens.

• Speaking softly.

• Running a business

• Heavy equipment operator

Fill in the Blank

Exit Ticket: How old do you have to be to vote?