Ohio State Government

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

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.

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.

Which statement describes a provision of the Ohio Constitution of 1851?

• Members of the Senate who win election will serve a term of six years.

• The legislature was given the power to declare war and borrow money.

• Members of the legislature cannot hold another paid office while serving in the legislature.

• Election to the U.S. Senate requires a person to be at least 25 years of age.

What is one characteristic of the present-day Ohio Constitution that makes it different from the U.S. Constitution?

• It allows African-American citizens to vote in elections.

• Its legislature is responsible for passing laws.

• Its powers are divided among separate branches of government.

• It has referendum and initiative.

Which of the following officials could Ohioans vote for directly under the original 1802 state constitution?

• members of the General Assembly

• state Supreme Court justices

• the Governor

• judges of the county Courts of Common Pleas

• the Secretary of State and Attorney General

The U.S. Constitution and the Ohio Constitution of 1851 had many similarities, but there are also some important differences. Which of the following is a SIMILARITY between both constitutions?

• The chief executive was given a line-item veto over acts passed by the legislative branch.

• All judges on the court were to serve a life term during good behavior.

• The Supreme Court was to be the highest court for that branch of government.

• During an election, the chief-executive was to be voted on directly by the people.