State Governments #2

What is the main purpose of state legislatures?

• State legislatures are organized like Congress

• State legislatures make most of the laws that affect daily life

• State legislatures oversee the activities of the executive and judicial branches

• State legislatures are responsible for financing state governments

Why are more state legislators full-time lawmakers today than in early years of the United States?

• The demands on state governments have increased

• State legislators have more time available

• State legislators are more interested in politics

• State legislators receive more news coverage

What is the organization of state legislatures?

• All states, except Nebraska, have a bicameral legislature

• All states, except New Hampshire, have a unicameral legislature

• All states, except New Hampshire, have a bicameral legislature

• All states, except Nebraska, have a unicameral legislature

What issue was decided in the Supreme Court case Reynolds v. Sims?

• The apportionment of state legislatures

• The power of state legislatures

• The role of the judicial branch

• The role of the executive branch

How do state legislatures check the executive branch?

• By approving officials and judges appointed by the governor

• By impeaching executive and judicial officers

• By reviewing how federal funds are spent in the state

• By overseeing the activities of the executive and judicial branches

What are the different ways in which a state can raise money?

• Taxes, bonds, and federal funds

• Taxes, grants, and lotteries

• Taxes, grants, and bonds

• Taxes, bonds, and lotteries

Which of the following are powers of the governor?

• Drafting a budget for the state, attending ceremonial functions

• Proposing legislation and serving as the symbolic chief of state

• Approving or vetoing bills put forth by the state legislature

• All of the above

What is the difference between an initiative and a referendum?

• An initiative is proposed by the legislature, while a referendum is proposed by citizens

• An initiative is proposed by citizens, while a referendum is proposed by the legislature

• An initiative is a vote on an existing law, while a referendum is a vote on a proposed law

• An initiative is a vote on a proposed law, while a referendum is a vote on an existing law

What are the two leading sources of state tax revenue?

• Sales tax and income tax

• Income tax and bonds

• Sales tax and excise tax

• Income tax and excise tax

Which two services make up more than 50% of state spending?

• Education and Social Services

• Highways and police and prisons

• Social services and natural resources

• Insurance and other expenses