Ohio Government Review

Citizens engage in civic duties and political activities at the local, state, and national levels. Some types of activities often take place at one level but not at another. Which civic or political activity can citizens carry out at the state level?

• organizing a neighborhood watch patrol

• serving in the active-duty army or air force

• testifying before Congress on a regional issue

• signing a petition to place an issue on the ballot

What happens when the laws of Ohio and the federal government contradict one another?

• The Ohio Supreme Court determines which law will be enforced in Ohio.

• State law is followed because both constitutions agree that slate law takes precedence over federal law.

• The U.S. Congress holds hearings on the conflict and determines which law will govern the people of Ohio.

• The U.S. Constitution is followed because it states that the laws of the United States take precedence over state law.

Which of the following was NOT one of the issues that prompted the creation of the 1851 Ohio Constitution?

• The state executive branch was far too powerful under the original 1802 constitution.

• The state government had gotten deeply into debt.

• The state legislature had become increasingly corrupt, and had mismanaged tax dollars.

• The state supreme court had quickly become overwhelmed as the population grew.

How did the adoption of the Ohio Constitution of 1851 weaken the power of the General Assembly?

• by creating district courts throughout the state

• by banning the use of poll taxes during elections

• by allowing people to begin voting for the office of governor

• by establishing that major executive officials would be directly elected by the people

The Ohio Constitution of 1851 established district courts.

How did this solve an existing problem in the state?

• It reduced the burden on the Ohio Supreme Court.

• It brought civic order during a time of social disorder and chaos.

• It curbed the federal government's infringement on Ohio's state rights.

• It provided additional checks and balances against the executive branch.

Which action describes a civic responsibility at the local or municipal level?

• filing federal taxes

• participating in school board meetings

• launching a campaign to be elected to state office

• worshiping at a local church, temple, synagogue, or mosque

Citizens of Ohio have a variety of options available to them for participation in state and local government.

Which TWO options below represent participation in STATE government? Select them BOTH.

• Attend city and/or township trustee meetings

• Serve in the National Guard

• Organize a neighborhood watch

• Vote for governor

Following the basic principle of federalism, government powers are divided and shared between the national and state levels. Which of the following powers are exclusively held by state governments?

• ratify constitutional amendments

• print money

• raise sales tax

• regulate foreign trade

• conduct elections

Individuals in Ohio have a responsibility to assist state and local government authorities in addressing problems throughout the state.

​Select all of the actions that fulfill this responsibility at the local level.

• serving in the National Guard

• writing a letter to the governor

• attending city council meetings

• serving as a volunteer firefighter

• organizing a neighborhood watch program

Which principle is found in the U.S. Constitution and the Ohio Constitution?

• Governing power is best in the hands of a strong executive.

• Final political power rests with the people.

• Only the President and the Ohio Governor can declare war.

• The right to vote is guaranteed to both citizens and non-citizens.