Indiana State & Local Government: Main Ideas

Why are states in the United States not the same as individual countries?

• They are similar, but the states have given some power to the federal government.

• They have no similarities.

• States are not the same as individual countries because they do not have their own leader and government.

• They are similar, but states do not have their own court systems.

What gives a specific list of powers to the federal government?

• the U.S. Constitution

• the Indiana Constitution

• the Bill of Rights

• the President

How are state governments similar to the federal government?

• They both have their own constitutions and laws.

• They both have a single branch of government.

• The laws of both levels are equal to each other.

• State governments have no similaries to the federal government.

When a federal and state law conflict, which level of law is superior?

• Laws at a higher level of government (federal) are always superior to laws at a lower level (state).

• Neither level of law is superior.

• Laws at a lower level of government (state) are always superior to laws at a higher level (federal).

• When federal and state law conflict, local law takes precedence.

How is the organization of federal and state governments similar?

• They both have three branches - legislative, executive, and judicial.

• They both have tricameral (3 house) legislatures.

• They both have a single branch, the executive branch, that makes and enforces laws.

• The organization of federal and state governments is not similar.

What role do districts play in state government?

• Citizens in each district elect representatives to serve in the state legislature, allowing the interests of people throughout the state to be represented when making laws.

• Districts play no role in state government. They are only a factor in federal government.

• Districts operate like the Electoral College and vote to decide who will be the governor of the state.

• 1. Districts are responsible for maintaining national parks and wildlife reserves within the state.

Who makes up a state’s executive branch?

• governor, lieutenant governor, departments, and agencies

• president, vice president, departments, and cabinet

• senators and house representatives

• mayors and school board members

How can a state’s citizens impact lawmaking?

• By putting laws on the ballot through the initiative process and voting on referendums to show their opinion on potential laws or proposals

• 1. By organizing neighborhood watch programs to improve community safety and volunteering at their local police and fire departments.

• 1. By volunteering at animal shelters and environmental cleanup initiatives.

• 1. By participating in local sports events and cultural festivals.

What are some services state governments provide?

• Providing police, fire, and child protective services; maintaining roads, schools, parks, and infrastructure.

• 1. Managing international trade agreements and tariffs.

• 1. Operating and maintaining national parks and monuments.

• 1. Regulating air traffic control and airport security.

Where does the state get the money to fund these services?

• States get the funds through taxes paid by the citizens and from federal grants.

• 1. The state asks other countries for money.

• 1. The state borrows money from its citizens whenever it needs funds.

• 1. The state gets money by selling goods and services to other states.