Indiana State & Local Government: Main Ideas

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

the U.S. Constitution

Front

How are state governments similar to the federal government?

Back

They both have their own constitutions and laws.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How is the organization of federal and state governments similar?

Back

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

Front

What role do districts play in state government?

Back

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.

Front

Who makes up a state’s executive branch? Options: governor, lieutenant governor, departments, and agencies; president, vice president, departments, and cabinet; senators and house representatives; mayors and school board members

Back

governor, lieutenant governor, departments, and agencies

Front

How can a state’s citizens impact lawmaking?

Back

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

Front

What are some services state governments provide?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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