3.4 - State Constitutions and Local Charters

Which statement best describes the structure of state governments?

• All states have three branches of government similar to the federal system that separate powers.

• All states have legislative and executive branches but some do not have judicial branches.

• All state governments have legislatures except for Nebraska that allows the executive branch to pass laws.

• All states have executive branches but most have no legislative or judicial branches.

What body can use the power of national supremacy to remove an amendment from a state constitution?

• federal courts

• state courts

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• state executives

Which best describes individual rights provided in state constitutions and local charters?

• State constitutions and local charters can only provide the same rights given in the U.S. Constitution.

• State constitutions and local charters can take away or restrict individual rights in the U.S. Constitution.

• Only the U.S. Constitution can provide individual rights.

• State constitutions and local charters can provide additional individual rights not given in the U.S. Constitution.

What best describes differences between how executive positions are filled in the federal government and some state governments?

• In the federal government all executive positions are appointed by the president but in some states these positions are elected by voters.

• In the federal government many executive positions are elected but in some states these positions are appointed by governors.

• In the federal government all executive positions are appointed by the president but in many states these positions are not needed.

• In the federal government all executive positions are appointed by the Congress but in some states these positions are elected by voters.

What is a popular initiative?

• a method of amending state constitutions where legislatures propose amendments and voters approve amendments

• a method for amending state constitutions where voters collect signatures to propose amendments and legislatures approve amendments

• a method for amending state constitutions where judges can place amendments on the ballot and voters approve amendments

• a method of amending state constitutions where voters can place amendments on the ballot and voters approve amendments

What are documents issued by state governments that give a community legal status and the ability to establish a local government?

• Popular Initiatives

• Local Charters

• County Commissions

• Local Ordinances

Which statement describes which laws apply in the case of a conflict?

• local laws then state laws then federal laws

• federal laws then state laws then local laws

• state laws then local laws then federal laws

• federal laws then local laws then state laws

Which office commands the National Guard in all states?

• Speaker of the House

• Governor

• Attorney General

• Secretary of State

What is described by the terms unicameral and bicameral?

• the system by which judges are selected in a state

• whether the governor and lieutenant governor are listed together or separately on state ballots

• how many bodies make up a legislature

• how long term limits are in a state

Which best describes how many times the U.S. Constitution has been amended compared to the number of times state constitutions have been amended?

• The U.S. Constitution has been amended more because state constitutions are rewritten instead of amended.

• The U.S. Constitution has been amended considerably more times than most state constitutions.

• The U.S. Constitution has been amended considerably fewer times than most state constitutions.

• The U.S. Constitution has been amended about the same number of times as most state constitutions.