Understanding State Governments

What is the main lawmaking body in a state government called?

• State Supreme Court

• State Legislature

• State Cabinet

• State Police

Who is typically the head of the executive branch in a state government?

• Chief Justice

• Governor

• Speaker of the House

• State Senator

What is the highest court in most state judicial systems?

• State District Court

• State Supreme Court

• State Appeals Court

• State Magistrate Court

Which of the following is a responsibility of state governments?

• Printing money

• Running public schools

• Declaring war

• Negotiating treaties

What is the first step in the state legislative process for making a new law?

• The governor signs the bill

• A bill is introduced

• The bill is sent to the courts

• The public votes on the bill

Which official is responsible for overseeing state elections?

• State Treasurer

• Secretary of State

• State Auditor

• State Attorney General

Which court would most likely hear a case involving a violation of state law?

• Federal Court

• State Trial Court

• U.S. Supreme Court

• International Court

Which of the following is NOT a typical responsibility of state governments?

• Issuing driver’s licenses

• Maintaining highways

• Printing national currency

• Regulating state businesses

If a bill passes both houses of the state legislature, what must happen before it becomes law?

• The governor must sign it

• The state supreme court must approve it

• The public must vote on it

• The president must sign it

Explain the role of a state governor in the lawmaking process.

• The governor writes all state laws

• The governor can sign or veto bills passed by the legislature

• The governor serves as a judge in court cases

• The governor leads the state police