ch.4 Louisiana's Government

Why did the U.S. Congress delay in approving Louisiana’s statehood?

• The original document was not signed by the delegates.

• U.S. Congress had to vote to extend the deadline for statehood.

• Louisiana’s constitution had to be translated from French into English.

• Louisiana’s constitution had to be translated from Spanish into English.

Why did democracy have to be learned in the new state of Louisiana in 1812?

• No one wanted democracy.

• The colony had no history of democratic governance.

• The Spanish population had no voice in the government.

• The English and the French were arguing over the government.

What is federalism?

• doing one’s patriotic duty

• an old form of government no longer in use today

• a belief that all power should be in the hands of a few people

• the division of power between the federal and state governments

Which powers are shared by the state and federal government?

• collect taxes and enforce laws

• declare war and establish schools

• conduct elections and establish schools

• collect taxes and make treaties with other nations

Why has Louisiana had so many different constitutions?

• to try to agree on a version everyone liked

• to create a government with certain goals in mind

• to ensure that everyone had a part in the process

• to make the constitution shorter and less complex

Why was writing a new constitution an effective way to control government?

• The constitution had to match the old laws.

• New versions kept voters confused about the law.

• Judges had a hard time understanding all the changes.

• Constitutional principles are more powerful than individual laws.

How is the state lieutenant governor’s job similar to the U.S. vice-president’s?

• Each is appointed by the president and governor.

• Both oversee the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism.

• If the president or the governor is unable to act the vice-president or the lieutenant governor may step in for their respective leaders.

• The vice president is ex officio president of the U.S. Senate, and similarly the lieutenant governor is ex officio president of the state senate.

If a government is bicameral, what does that mean?

• Term limits are always two years.

• The legislative branch has two houses or chambers.

• There are two levels of government, state and national.

• The executive branch has a leader and a secondary leader who can take the leader’s place.

How is a clerk of the court for a parish like the secretary of state for the state?

• Both keep official records.

• Each is responsible for the state seal.

• Both function at the local level of government.

• Both are members of the judicial branch of government.

What is the largest single source of revenue for the state?

• excise tax

• property tax

• sales tax

• severance tax