North Carolina Constitution:
An Introduction to Our State’s Constitution and Activities for Understanding It
Overview
Students will be introduced to the North Carolina Constitution and deepen their understanding of
governmental organization in our state by taking notes on the document. They will then participate in
an activity of the teacher’s choosing to further their understanding. Options include creating their
own class constitutions. completing a North Carolina Constitution Web Quest, a Public Officials Note
Card matching game, a NC Constitution Word Quest, and more.
Grade
10
North Carolina Essential Standards for Civics & Economics
 CE.C&G.2.1 - Analyze the structures of national, state and local governments in terms of ways
they are organized to maintain order, security, welfare of the public and the protection of citizens
(e.g., federalism, the three branches, court system, jurisdictions, judicial process, agencies, etc.)
 CE.C&G.2.2 - Summarize the functions of North Carolina state and local governments within the
federal system of government (e.g., local charters, maintain a militia, pass ordinances and laws,
collect taxes, supervise elections, maintain highways, types of local governments, etc.).
 CE.C&G.2.4 - Compare the Constitutions and the structures of the United States and North
Carolina governments (e.g., the various NC Constitutions, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Rights,
Preambles, the organization of, the powers of, responsibilities, etc.
 CE.C&G.2.6 - Evaluate the authority federal, state and local governments have over individuals’
rights and privileges (e.g., Bill of Rights, Delegated Powers, Reserved Powers, Concurrent Powers,
Pardons, Writ of habeas corpus, Judicial Process, states’ rights, Patriot Act, etc.)
Essential Questions
 What is the US Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, and how does it affect state government?
 What is the purpose of the North Carolina Constitution?
 What freedoms, limits, and protections does the North Carolina Constitution and its Articles set
forth?
 How does the North Carolina Constitution affect the framework, organization, and structure of
state and local government?
 How is authority defined for public officials (i.e. governor, lieutenant governor, sheriffs, judges,
etc.) in the North Carolina Constitution?
 How can North Carolina’s Constitution be changed? Who can change it?
 What services must the state provide according to the North Carolina Constitution?
 Why is the North Carolina Constitution relevant to each of us?
Materials
 Understanding the NC Constitution, notes worksheet and key, attached
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Optional resource: NC Civic Education Consortium’s North Carolina Pocket Constitution; contact
cnorris@unc.edu for purchase information
Activity Options (all attached):
o Create Your Own Class Constitution
o North Carolina Constitution Web Quest, attached
o Public Officials Note Card Game, attached
o NC Constitution Word Quest! worksheet and key (standard/advanced)
o NC Constitution Word Quest!!! modified worksheet and key
o NC Constitution Quiz and answer key, attached
o NC Constitution Homework, attached
Duration
 45+ minutes
 Time will vary based on which (and how many) of the attached NC Constitution activity options
to assign.
Procedure
A School With No Rules?
As a warm-up, ask students to consider:
 What would our classroom and our school be like if there were no rules? What might occur?
How might people feel? How might other schools view ours based on this?
 Why are rules important?
 Who/what determines the rules our school must follow?
 Likewise, who/what determines the rules our community/state must follow? What
determines the rules our country must follow?
 What comes to mind when you hear the word constitution? What constitutions can you
identify?
 Why do we have a US Constitution and a State Constitution? How do you think these
documents differ?
Project the US Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. Have a student volunteer read it aloud then
discuss:
 “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance
thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United
States, shall be the supreme Law of the land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound
thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.”
Article VI, Paragraph 2
Discuss:
 What is the purpose of this “Supremacy Clause?” What does this clause establish? (Facilitate
discussion of the establishment of the US Constitution as the “supreme law of the land.”)
 If the US Constitution sets forth the supreme law of the land, what is the purpose of North
Carolina’s Constitution?
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
How do you think the NC Constitution impacts your life? (Consider your state government, as
defined in the North Carolina Constitution. How does state government impact your life?)
Introduction to the North Carolina Constitution
Review with students that in 1777, one year after the Declaration of Independence was written,
the Continental Congress asked all 13 states to set up their own governments by creating a state
constitution, or written plan of government, explaining what state governments could and could
not do and what rights of citizens would be protected. Meanwhile, the Second Continental
Congress worked on a plan for national government, the Articles of Confederation. The Articles
of Confederation were then revised into the United States Constitution.
Explain that the North Carolina Constitution, which includes a Declaration of Rights, was
completed in 1776. This Constitution was later replaced in 1868 after the Civil War when the
United States required all states to eliminate slavery and swear allegiance to the Union. North
Carolina’s current state Constitution was adopted in 1970 and took effect in 1971.
Tell students they are going to learn more about the North Carolina Constitution in preparation
for activities they will participate in later in class. (Teachers will use their discretion regarding
which activities to assign.) Pass out the attached notes worksheet on the North Carolina
Constitution. Rather than deliver the information in lecture format, ask students questions in an
attempt to have them provide the answers. Students should fill in the blanks throughout the
discussion. (Teachers may want to fill out a projected copy of the notes along with the students.)
 Teacher Note: Teachers with limited class time can simply provide the attached filled in copy
of the notes to students.
NC Constitution Activity Options
Several activity options for the NC Constitution are described below and attached. Teachers
should choose one or more of the following activities based on their students needs and the
amount of class time available:
 Use the Framework of the NC Constitution to Create a Class Constitution
a) Explain to students that they will examine the North Carolina Constitution during class and
use it as a framework for creating a classroom constitution. Divide students into small groups
and handout the attached “Create Your Own Class Constitution.” Project/explain the
following:
 In your groups, review the different Articles of the North Carolina Constitution and their
purposes.
 After gaining an understanding of each Article, use the same format to brainstorm a
constitution for our classroom. Use the worksheet to assist you.
 Once you have finalized the wording in your Articles, your group will write out your
Constitution on chart paper. You may also decorate your Constitution with appropriate
graphics that represent the various Constitutional themes and tenants addressed in your
document.
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
Your group will present your Constitution to the class, thus you should also spend time
determining how you will convey important information in an effective manner.
 After all groups have presented, the class will vote on which group’s Constitution is most
effective.
b) Remind students of their responses to what the purposes of a constitution are and now ask
them to consider what the purposes of a class constitution should be. After a few minutes of
discussion, allow students to get started, providing 15-20 minutes to work. Monitor students
throughout the time to ensure they are on task and on the right track.
c) Once groups are ready to present, remind students of respectful audience behavior and
instruct all students to take notes during each presentation, focusing on what is strongest
about the group’s Constitution and what could use improvement. Explain they will vote on
the best constitution at the end of class, so they need to pay attention to make an informed
vote. As students present, link their created Constitutions back to the Articles of the NC
Constitution. Once all groups have presented, allow the class to vote on which Constitution
they feel is most effective. You can also allow students to cut and paste the best part of
different group’s Constitutions into one.
d) Debrief as a class:
 What do you imagine it was like to create the actual North Carolina Constitution?
 What are the basic principles within the NC Constitution? (safety, equity, civic
responsibility, etc.)
 What is the purpose behind these principals?
 How are individual citizens, public officials, and state agencies impacted by these
principles?
 In considering the North Carolina Constitution, what freedoms, limits, and protections
does it set forth? Why do you think its creators included these freedoms, limits, and
protections?
 What would life be like without such freedoms, limits, and protections?
 Why is the North Carolina Constitution relevant to us today?
 How does your group’s Class Constitution illustrate freedoms, limits, and protections?
 Did any group’s Constitution contain something that goes against school or district rules
at large? If the district represents the US Constitution, and your group’s Constitution
represents the state’s, why can your group’s Constitution not go against the “national,” or
in this case “district” entity? (Discuss with students how classrooms must follow school
rules, and schools must follow district rules, etc. Also, ensure student understanding of
the role the School Board plays in your system.)
 What existing school policies do you think are important and necessary? Explain.
 Are their school and/or district policies that you feel violate your fundamental rights of
freedoms, limits, and protections? Explain. Why might such a policy exist?
 North Carolina Constitution Web Quest
a) So that students can learn more about how the NC Constitution defines the roles of Governor,
Lieutenant Governor, Council of State, Judges, and Law Enforcement, assign the attached NC
Constitution Web Quest (to be completed individually or in partners.) Instruct students to find
the answers via the Internet, textbooks, or other resources.
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b) When finished, take up the Quest and hand out the attached “Public Officials Note Card
Game” to each group.
 NC Constitution Word Quest!
a) Tell students that they will be applying what they have learned about the NC Constitution
and exploring the document further through a NC Constitution Word Quest competition!
Provide each student (or pair if assigned as a partner activity) with a copy of the Civic
Education Consortium’s North Carolina Pocket Constitution (copies available for purchase at
http://www.sog.unc.edu/programs/civiced/publications/classroom_resources.php) and a NC
Constitution Word Quest! worksheet, attached.
 Teacher Note: To help teachers differentiate this activity, two versions of the Word Quest
are attached. The harder version, NC Constitution Word Quest!, contains one exclamation
mark at the end of the title. The easier version is subtly differentiated with three
exclamation points at the end. Answer keys for both versions are also attached.
b) Working together, students should work to quickly and accurately fill in the Word Quest. If
billing this as a competition, teachers should let students know what the prize(s) offered are,
and what requirements must be met for receiving the prize(s). (For example, perhaps the first
partnership finished with all correct answers receives homework passes, the second
partnership finished with all correct answers receives a food treat, etc.)
c) If this is assigned as a partner activity, teachers can instruct students to assume particular
roles, such as a researcher and a recorder. In this case, the researcher should handle the NC
Pocket Constitution and search for answers to the questions as verbally posed by the recorder.
The recorder should also be writing answers on the puzzle itself. (Teachers should encourage
students to work in pencil so that mistakes can be easily erased.)
 NC Constitution Quiz and/or NC Constitution Homework Worksheet
a) The attached NC Constitution Quiz or the NC Constitution Homework Worksheet can be
completed at the end of class, for homework, or as a warm-up the next time class meets.
Teachers should determine whether students can use their notes or the NC Pocket
Constitution (if available) to complete these activities.
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Understanding North Carolina’s Constitution –
Pg. 1
Name:
Period:
Date:
Item 1: Some Background…
North Carolina’s Constitution was originally _______ different parts. They were:
The Declaration of Rights is similar to:
Later it became:
The North Carolina Constitution has had _____ different versions. They are the _________, _________, and
_________ versions. The reasons usually associated with the changes are:
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
Some major differences between the United States Bill of Rights and the NC Declaration of Rights
Section 1:
Similar to:
Section 15:
___________
Section 26:
___________
Item 2: The Legislative Branch
The legislature is called the _____________________. The General Assembly is made up of the
_____________________ and the ______________________.
There are ____ Senators and _____ Representatives.
Item 3: The Executive Branch
All North Carolina executive power is given to the __________________.
Another member of the Executive Branch is the _______________________.
The _____________________ and the _________________________ are limited to _____ consecutive terms.
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Understanding North Carolina’s Constitution – Pg. 2
Item 3: The Executive Branch continued
___________________________ recommends a _______________.
The _____________________ has the power to grant pardons. A
pardon
is ____________________________________________________.
The ________________ appoints other officers in the state (called the Council of State).
The Council of State has seven positions with different duties and responsibilities:
Secretary of State:
Instruction:
State Auditor:
Attorney General:
Commissioner of Agriculture:
Commissioner of Insurance:
elected?__________________
Superintendent of Public
Commissioner of Labor:
Are these Council positions
Item 4: The Judicial Branch
Judicial power is given to the ____________________________, which is composed
of:
The __________________________ is the highest court. It is subordinate only to the
_______________________________. The ______________________ makes rules for
the _______________________________________________.
Other Items:
Finance, Suffrage, Local Governments, Corporations, Education, Homesteads and Exemptions,
Corrections, Military Forces, Amendments, and Miscellaneous.
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KEY - Understanding North Carolina’s Constitution – Pg. 1
Name:
Period:
Date:
Item 1: Some Background…
North Carolina’s Constitution was originally two different parts. They were: The
Constitution and the Decl. of Rights
The Declaration of Rights is similar to: U.S. Constitution.
Later it became: Article I
The North Carolina Constitution has had 3 different versions. They are the 1776, 1868, and 1971 versions. The
reasons usually associated with the changes are:
1st: Original, Decl. of Ind.
1869-1968)
2nd: Post Civil War
3rd: Clean up (69 amm. b/w
Some major differences between the United States Bill of Rights and the NC Declaration of Rights
Section 1: All persons are created equal and endowed with “inalienable rights.”
Independ.
Similar to: Decl. of
Section 15: Citizens of NC have a right to an education
Unique
Section 26: No individual excused from jury b/c of sex, race, color, religion Unique
Item 2: The Legislative Branch
The legislature is called the General Assembly. The GA is made up of the House and the
Senate. There are 50 Senators and 120 Representatives.
Item 3: The Executive Branch
All North Carolina executive power is given to the Governor.
Another member of the Executive Branch is the Lieutenant Governor.
The Governor and the Lt. Governor are limited to two consecutive terms.
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KEY -Understanding North Carolina’s Constitution – Pg. 2
Item 3: The Executive Branch continued
The Governor recommends a budget.
The Governor has the power to grant pardons. A pardon
is a release of a prisoner from his or her sentence by the
Governor.
The Governor appoints other officers in the state (called the Council
of State).
The Council of State has seven positions with different duties and responsibilities:
Sec. of State: Business/Records
Education
State Auditor: Reviews State Depts.
Superintendent of Public Instruction:
Attorney General:
State’s Lawyer
Commissioner of Agriculture: Food, Drugs, Ag. Products
Commissioner of Labor: Worker Safety and Employment
Commissioner of Insurance: Regulates how ins. companies can do business
people
Are they Elected? Elected by the
Item 4: The Judicial Branch
Judicial power is given to the Legislative Branch, which is composed of:
The NC Supreme Court is the highest court. It is subordinate only to the
US Supreme Court. The General Assembly makes rules for
the Superior and District Courts.
Other Items:
Finance, Suffrage, Local Governments, Corporations, Education, Homesteads and Exemptions,
Corrections, Military Forces, Amendments, and Miscellaneous.
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Create Your Own Class Constitution!
North Carolina Constitution:
Your Own Constitution:
The first NC Constitution and Declaration of Rights was
created in 1776.
Based on the structure of the NC Constitution, as a group, create a Constitution
for our class. Your constitution must include a section mimicking each NC
Constitution Article that is shaded. Articles not shaded are optional. Use
notebook paper for brainstorming and if additional space is needed. All group
members should write their final Constitution Articles here. One master copy
will be artistically created on chart paper to share with your classmates.
Preamble:
Designate your group members and state your purpose:
“We, the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful
to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for the
preservation of the American Union and the existence of
our civil, political and religious liberties, and
acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the
continuance of those blessings to us and our posterity, do,
for the more certain security thereof and for the better
government of this State, ordain and establish this
Constitution.”
“We, the people of…
Article I: Declaration of Rights
What rights will class members have?
Declares the rights of citizens and calls for members to
act consistently with the US Constitution. The US
Constitution did not address citizen rights until 4 years
after its ratification.
Article II: The Legislative Branch
Article III: The Executive Branch
Article IV: The Judicial Branch
How will class be structured? How will power be
allocated?
NC models its government structure after the US
Constitution, and the intent is to balance governmental
power between a legislative, a judicial, and an executive
branch.
Article V: Finance
The NC Constitution focuses on the levying of taxes,
avoiding debt, and state facilities such as the university
system, while the US Constitution loosely mentions the
US Treasury.
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Article VI: Suffrage and Elections
Both the NC and the US Constitutions note Officer
qualifications and functions and addresses such issues as
elected positions, age of eligibility, number of votes
allowed senators, and impeachment.
Will anything in our class be determined by voting? If
so, specify what and how:
Article VII: Local Governments
The NC Constitution provides that the General Assembly
will incorporate counties, cities, and towns and give
duties to these organizations. (In the US Constitution, the
provision for states’ rights appears immediately
following the separation of powers.)
Article VIII: Corporations
Article IX: Education
The NC Constitution establishes such provisions as a
uniform term, a state board of education, and local
responsibilities. (There is no mention of education in the
US Constitution!)
What do you wish to mandate in terms of education
(class lessons, activities, fieldtrips, etc.)?
Article X: Homesteads and Exemptions
Article XI: Punishment, Corrections, and
Charities
Article XII: Constitutional Amendments and
Revisions
If changes need to be made later, what will the process
be for amendments?
The General Assembly may propose a new or revised
Constitution or amendment if three-fifths of all members
of each house adopt an act to submit the proposal. A
majority must then win the vote; likewise, the US
Congress proposes amendments.
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North Carolina Constitution Web Quest
I.
The Governor
A. According to Article I, section 6, the executive branch of government shares power with the
_____________________ and the _____________________________.
B. Article _________ of the NC Constitution outlines the role of the executive branch, or
__________________.
C. According to this article, North Carolina elects a governor every ____________ years.
D. The following are qualifications for individuals hoping to run for governor:
i. ______________________________________________________________
ii. ______________________________________________________________
iii. ______________________________________________________________
E. According to our Constitution, no governor or lieutenant governor can be elected to more than
___________ consecutive terms.
F. Every fourth January, North Carolina swears in a governor, and the oath of office is delivered
by _______________________.
G. The governor may choose to provide the General Assembly with information, but he always
prepares and recommends a ____________________.
H. Below are some powers of the governor. Please explain them.
i. Clemency: __________________________________________________________
ii. Appointment: ________________________________________________________
iii. Veto: The NC Governor does have the power to veto most types of legislation.
II.
The Lieutenant Governor
A. According to Article III, North Carolina elects a lieutenant governor every ___________ years.
B. __________________________ becomes governor upon the death, resignation, or removal of
the governor.
C. The Lieutenant Governor serves as __________________ of the Senate; however, the Lt.
Governor does not vote unless _________________________________________________.
III.
Council of State
A. Article III also allows for the election of ____________ other individuals.
B. These individuals are identified below. Use your textbook or web resources to uncover what the
role these individuals play.
i. Secretary of State: ______________________________________________________
ii. State Auditor: _________________________________________________________
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iii. State Treasurer: ________________________________________________________
iv. Superintendent of Public Instruction: _______________________________________
v. Attorney General: ______________________________________________________
vi. Commissioner of Agriculture: _____________________________________________
vii. Commissioner of Labor: _________________________________________________
viii. Commissioner of Insurance: ______________________________________________
C. Members of the Council of State are elected for _____________ year terms.
IV.
Judges
A. According to Article IV, section 2, an _____________________________________________,
a ____________________________, and a _________________________________________
make up the General Court of Justice in North Carolina.
B. This branch of government shares power with the ____________________________ and the
_________________________________.
C. The Appellate Division is made up of the _______________________________ and the
__________________________________.
D. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the state, and it has a _________________________
and ___________ Associate Justices.
E. Article IV, section 16 tells us that Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Judges, and Superior
Court Judges are elected for ______________ year terms.
F. Earlier in section 10, we learned that District Court Judges are elected for ________ year terms.
G. Article IV, section 22 tells us that in order to be a judge, one must _______________________
___________________________________________________________________________.
V.
Law Enforcement
A. Article VII states every county must elect a ___________________________.
B. These individuals are elected for _____________ years, and their job is to oversee the county
jail and to provide law enforcement for certain parts of the county.
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North Carolina Constitution Quest Key
I.
The Governor
C. According to Article I, section 6, the executive branch of government shares power with the
JUDICIAL BRANCH and the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH.
D. Article III of the NC Constitution outlines the role of the executive branch, or GOVERNOR.
E. According to this article, North Carolina elects a governor every 4 years.
F. The following are qualifications for individuals hoping to run for governor:
i. AT LEAST 30 YEARS OF AGE
ii. CITIZEN OF THE US FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS
iii. RESIDENT OF NC FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS PRECEDING THE ELECTION
G. According to our Constitution, no governor or lieutenant governor can be elected to more than 2
consecutive terms.
H. Every fourth January, North Carolina swears in a governor, and the oath of office is delivered
by ANY JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT.
I. The governor may choose to provide the General Assembly with information, but he always
prepares and recommends a COMPREHENSIVE STATE BUDGET.
J. Below are some powers of the governor. Please explain them.
i. Clemency: THE GOVERNOR CAN GIVE REPRIEVES AND PARDONS FOR
ALL CONVICTIONS EXCEPT IMPEACHMENT.
ii. Appointment: THE GOVERNOR APPOINTS ALL OFFICERS NOT PROVIDED
FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION. FOR EXAMPLE, THE SECRETARY OF
ADMINISTRATION.
iii. Veto: The NC Governor does have the power to veto most types of legislation.
II.
The Lieutenant Governor
K. According to Article III, North Carolina elects a lieutenant governor every 4 years.
L. The LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR becomes governor upon the death, resignation, or removal
of the governor.
M. The Lieutenant Governor serves as PRESIDENT of the Senate; however, the Lt. Governor
does not vote unless THE SENATE IS EQUALLY DIVIDED.
III.
Council of State
N. Article III also allows for the election of 8 other individuals.
O. These individuals are identified below. Use your textbook or web resources to uncover what the
role these individuals play.
i. Secretary of State: OVERSEES ELECTIONS, MANAGES THE STATE
ARCHIVES, AND REGULATES NC’S CORPORATIONS.
ii. State Auditor: REVIEWS THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER STATE
DEPARTMENTS
iii. State Treasurer: MANAGES NC’S MONEY
iv. Superintendent of Public Instruction: OVERSEE’S NC’S PUBLIC SCHOOL
SYSTEM
v. Attorney General: HANDLES THE STATE BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND
PROTECTS THE PEOPLE OF NC FROM CRIMES AND SCAMS.
vi. Commissioner of Agriculture: DEALS WITH AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AND THE SAFETY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
vii. Commissioner of Labor: REGULATES WORKER SAFETY AND
EMPLOYMENT
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viii. Commissioner of Insurance: REGULATES THE NC’S INSURANCE COMPANIES
P. Members of the Council of State are elected for 4 year terms.
IV.
Judges
Q. According to Article IV, section 2, an APPELLATE DIVISION, a SUPERIOR COURT
DIVISION, and a DISTRICT COURT DIVISION make up the General Court of Justice in
North Carolina.
R. This branch of government shares power with the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH and the
EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
S. The Appellate Division is made up of the SUPREME COURT and the COURT OF
APPEALS.
T. The Supreme Court is the highest court of the state, and it has a CHIEF JUSTICE and 6
Associate Justices.
U. Article IV, section 16 tells us that Supreme Court Justices, Appellate Judges, and Superior
Court Judges are elected for 8 year terms.
V. Earlier in section 10, we learned that District Court Judges are elected for 4 year terms.
Article IV, section 22 tells us that in order to be a judge, one must BE AUTHORIZED TO
PRACTICE LAW IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COURTS.
V.
Law Enforcement
W. Article VII states every county must elect a COUNTY SHERIFF.
X. These individuals are elected for 4 years, and their job is to oversee the county jail and to
provide law enforcement for certain parts of the county.
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Public Officials Note-Card Game
Teacher Instructions:
 Write each one of the following headers on a separate note card; you should have enough copies for each
group
1. NC Governor
2. NC Lieutenant Governor
3. NC Council of State
4. NC County Sheriffs
5. NC Judges
 Make enough copies of each of the following descriptions for each group and cut them out.
• Develops a state budget
• Has power to veto legislation
• Works with the Legislative and Judicial Branches of government to ensure balanced interests
• Must be 30 years of age and has power to grant clemency
• Makes sure that NC follows the laws its sets
• Presides over the Senate as its President
• Takes the governor’s place in the event of death or resignation
• Only votes when the NC Senate is split evenly
• Is considered a member of the executive branch, a member of the Senate, and a member of the
Council of State
• Contains the power to make sure insurance companies are regulated
• Contains the power to oversee agriculture
• Contains the power to oversee NC’s business
• Oversees NC’s public school system
• Manages NC’s money
• Oversee county jails
• Provide protection to citizens who live outside of incorporated municipalities
• Must be elected by the citizens of his/her county
• Investigate Crimes
• Hear cases to decide fact
• Generally serve eight-year terms
• Part of a three-tier system with an appeals process
• Has the power to swear in a governor of NC
• Must have a law degree to perform this duty
• Often works with a jury
Student Instructions:
 Have students form small groups.
 Give each small group a set of headers and a set of descriptions.
 Without any assistance from their textbooks, other groups, the internet, or you, small groups will organize
the descriptions under the correct header.
 Set a specific time limit and ask groups to raise their hands when they are done, making it a competition.
Public Officials Note-Card Game Key:
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1. NC Governor:
 Develops a state budget
 Has power to veto legislation
 Works with the Legislative and Judicial Branches of government to ensure balanced interests
 Must be 30 years of age and has power to grant clemency
 Makes sure that NC follows the laws its sets
2. NC Lieutenant Governor:
 Presides over the Senate as its President
 Takes the governor’s place in the event of death or resignation
 Only votes when the NC Senate is split evenly
 Is considered a member of the executive branch, a member of the Senate, and a member of the
Council of State
3. NC Council of State:
 Contains the power to make sure insurance companies are regulated
 Contains the power to oversee agriculture
 Contains the power to oversee NC’s business
 Oversees NC’s public school system
 Manages NC’s money
4. NC County Sheriffs:
 Oversee county jails
 Provide protection to citizens who live outside of incorporated municipalities
 Must be elected by the citizens of his/her county
 Investigate Crimes
5. NC Judges:
 Hear cases to decide fact
 Generally serve eight-year terms
 Part of a three-tier system with an appeals process
 Has the power to swear in a governor of NC
 Must have a law degree to perform this duty
 Often works with a jury
NC Civic Education Consortium
Visit our Database of K-12 Resources at http://database.civics.unc.edu/
17
North Carolina’s Constitution Quiz
Name:
Period:
Date:
The Legislative Branch is made of the:
1.
2.
Name two Offices in the Executive Branch (bonus for additional offices):
1.
2.
One of the unique items in North Carolina’s Constitution the U.S. Constitution does not have is:
What are the three levels of courts in North Carolina?
How many months must school be in session in North Carolina?
NC Civic Education Consortium
Visit our Database of K-12 Resources at http://database.civics.unc.edu/
18
North Carolina’s Constitution Quiz Key
Name:
Period:
Date:
The Legislative Branch is made of the:
1. House
2. Senate
Name two Offices in the Executive Branch (bonus for additional offices):
1. Governor, Lt. Governor
2. Secretary of State, State Auditor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Attorney General,
Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Labor, Commissioner of Insurance
One of the unique items in North Carolina’s Constitution the U.S. Constitution does not have is:
A number of options. A right to education, free and fair elections, A cap on the income tax of ten percent,
etc.
What are the three levels of courts in North Carolina?
How many months must school be in session in North Carolina? 9 months minimum
NC Civic Education Consortium
Visit our Database of K-12 Resources at http://database.civics.unc.edu/
19
North Carolina’s Constitution Homework
Name:
Period:
Date:
If you could add anything to the North Carolina
Constitution, what would you add and why?
Describe the steps required to get your amendment passed:
1.
2.
3.
List the Qualifications for Voting in NC
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
NC Civic Education Consortium
Visit our Database of K-12 Resources at http://database.civics.unc.edu/
20
North Carolina Constitution Word Quest!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
2
7
8
13
15
16
20
21
23
26
27
28
31
Across
This tax can't be levied by the General Assembly,
counties, cities, or towns.
This chamber has the power to try all impeachment
cases
This chamber has the power to impeach a state officer.
The General Assembly gives power to _____ as it sees
fit.
According to Article I, North Carolina citizens have a right
to this
These are applicable to every unit of local government,
unless exceptions exist
Punishable by death in NC.
This division consists of the Supreme Court and the
Court of Appeals
The ______________ of Public Instruction is in charge of
the State's Education Agency (DPI).
Officially the capital of North Carolina
The Governor has the power to grant this to a criminal.
There are exactly this many Senate seats in NC.
The branch with the Governor and Lt. Governor.
1
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
12
14
17
18
19
21
22
24
25
29
30
Down
General Assembly can't lend this without support of voters
Elected Officials take a _______ of office.
This tax's rate can't exceed ten percent.
The Lt. Governor presides in this position in the NC
Senate.
This branch houses the courts.
Senate and House terms are ____ years long.
Must be able to read and write this in the English language
to vote
The Governor can _________ and appoint state officers.
The Council of State serves terms that are ______ years
long.
The General Assembly mainains a public ____ system.
North Carolina has a policy to conserve and protect these
types of resources
The branch with the House and the Senate.
Both legislative houses keep this of their proceedings.
Eleven members of the State Board of Education are
_____________ by the Governor/
Can't be convicted of this to vote.
NC public schools have to operate at least _____ months a
year.
The Constitution requires each county to have one of these
elected.
A Governor can _______ a bill if the Governor doesn't like
it.
Number of years you have to have lived in NC to vote.
North Carolina Constitution Word Quest!
1
2
3
P O L L
A
5
6
P
T
J
8
R
H O U
E
D
S
I
12
I
F
C
D
O
I
15
E D U C A
N
R
L
T
18
L
21
A P P E L L A
P
G
22
P
I
F
23
O
S U P E
I
L
L
27
N
P A R D O
T
T
N
28
E
F I F T Y
D
V
31
E X E C
2
7
8
13
15
16
20
21
23
26
27
28
31
S E
9
T
W
13
C O
11
N
O
14
M
U
T I O N
N
I
A
V
19
T
E
J
T E
R
O
S
U
I
R
R I N T E N D
Y
A
N
L
29
V
E
U T I
O
30
O
N
V E
Across
This tax can't be levied by the General Assembly,
counties, cities, or towns.
This chamber has the power to try all impeachment
cases
This chamber has the power to impeach a state officer.
The General Assembly gives power to _____ as it sees
fit.
According to Article I, North Carolina citizens have a right
to this
These are applicable to every unit of local government,
unless exceptions exist
Punishable by death in NC.
This division consists of the Supreme Court and the
Court of Appeals
The ______________ of Public Instruction is in charge of
the State's Education Agency (DPI).
Officially the capital of North Carolina
The Governor has the power to grant this to a criminal.
There are exactly this many Senate seats in NC.
The branch with the Governor and Lt. Governor.
1
3
4
5
6
9
10
11
12
14
17
18
19
21
22
24
25
29
30
M
O
4
I
N
7
S E N A T E
C
Y
10
C
O
O
M
U N T I E S
S
16
S T A T U T E S
I
17
T
N
20
B U R G L A R Y
T
T
I
U
O
R
24
25
E N T
A
N
S
26
R A L E I G H
N
E
E
R
I
F
F
Down
General Assembly can't lend this without support of voters
Elected Officials take a _______ of office.
This tax's rate can't exceed ten percent.
The Lt. Governor presides in this position in the NC
Senate.
This branch houses the courts.
Senate and House terms are ____ years long.
Must be able to read and write this in the English language
to vote
The Governor can _________ and appoint state officers.
The Council of State serves terms that are ______ years
long.
The General Assembly mainains a public ____ system.
North Carolina has a policy to conserve and protect these
types of resources
The branch with the House and the Senate.
Both legislative houses keep this of their proceedings.
Eleven members of the State Board of Education are
_____________ by the Governor/
Can't be convicted of this to vote.
NC public schools have to operate at least _____ months a
year.
The Constitution requires each county to have one of these
elected.
A Governor can _______ a bill if the Governor doesn't like
it.
Number of years you have to have lived in NC to vote.
North Carolina Constitution Word Quest!!!
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
14
11
9
12
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
4
7
10
12
14
17
20
22
24
26
27
28
30
31
Across
The Governor has the power to grant this to a criminal.
(Article III)
Punishable by death in NC. (Article XI)
Both legislative houses keep this of their proceedings.
(Article II)
A Governor can _______ a bill if the Governor doesn't
like it. (Article II)
Senate and House terms are ____ years long. (Article II)
There are exactly this many Senate seats in NC. (Article
II)
The ______________ of Public Instruction is in charge of
the State's Education Agency (DPI). (Article IX)
According to Article I, North Carolina citizens have a right
to this. (Section 15)
The General Assembly gives power to _____ as it sees
fit. (Article VII)
The Lt. Governor presides in this position in the NC
Senate. (Article III)
This chamber has the power to impeach a state officer.
(Article II)
Number of years you have to have lived in NC to vote.
(Article VI)
General Assembly can't lend this without support of
voters. (Article V)
Officially the capital of North Carolina. (Article XIV)
The Council of State serves terms that are ______ years
long. (Article III)
2
3
5
6
8
9
11
13
15
16
18
19
21
23
24
25
29
Down
North Carolina has a policy to conserve and protect these
types of resources. (Article XIV)
Must be able to read and write this in the English language
to vote. (Article VI)
The General Assembly mainains a public ____ system.
(Article IX)
Eleven members of the State Board of Education are
_____________ by the Governor (Article IX)
This chamber has the power to try all impeachment cases.
(Artilce II)
The Governor can _________ and appoint state officers.
(Article III)
Elected Officials take a _______ of office. (Article VI)
This division consists of the Supreme Court and the Court
of Appeals. (Article IV)
This tax's rate can't exceed ten percent. (Article V)
The branch with the House and the Senate. (Article II)
The branch with the Governor and Lt. Governor. (Article III)
These are applicable to every unit of local government,
unless exceptions exist (Article XIV)
This branch houses the courts. (Article IV)
Can't be convicted of this to vote. (Article VI)
This tax can't be levied by the General Assembly, counties,
cities, or towns. (Article V)
The Constitution requires each county to have one of these
elected. (Article VII)
NC public schools have to operate at least _____ months a
year. (Article IX)
North Carolina Constitution Word Quest!!!
1
10
V E
14
15
F I
N
C
O
M
20
E
24
P R
O
L
L
1
4
7
10
12
14
17
20
22
24
26
27
28
30
31
2
P A R D O N
A
T
7
J O U
R
11
T O
A
A
L
F T Y
H
18
19
E
S
X
T
E
A
D U C A T I
U
U
23
F
T
T
E S I D E N
L
V
S
27
O N E
N
Y
3
4
5
C
B U
O
N
R N A L
I
S
V
12
T W O
E
I
R
16
T
L
S
17
S U P E R I
T
G
T
I
I
Y
O
S
O N
L
22
A
C
T
T
I
V
28
29
M O N E Y
I
30
N
R
E
Across
The Governor has the power to grant this to a criminal.
(Article III)
Punishable by death in NC. (Article XI)
Both legislative houses keep this of their proceedings.
(Article II)
A Governor can _______ a bill if the Governor doesn't
like it. (Article II)
Senate and House terms are ____ years long. (Article II)
There are exactly this many Senate seats in NC. (Article
II)
The ______________ of Public Instruction is in charge of
the State's Education Agency (DPI). (Article IX)
According to Article I, North Carolina citizens have a right
to this. (Section 15)
The General Assembly gives power to _____ as it sees
fit. (Article VII)
The Lt. Governor presides in this position in the NC
Senate. (Article III)
This chamber has the power to impeach a state officer.
(Article II)
Number of years you have to have lived in NC to vote.
(Article VI)
General Assembly can't lend this without support of
voters. (Article V)
Officially the capital of North Carolina. (Article XIV)
The Council of State serves terms that are ______ years
long. (Article III)
2
3
5
6
8
9
11
13
15
16
18
19
21
23
24
25
29
R G L A R Y
6
8
S
E
N
A
N T
E
21
A
P
9
N
P
13
O
A
O
M
P
I
I
P
N
E N D E N T
A
L
E
T
L
D
E
A
T
N T I E S
J
O U
D
I
C
I
A
A L E
25
S
H O U S E
E
R
I G H
F
31
F O U R
26
Down
North Carolina has a policy to conserve and protect these
types of resources. (Article XIV)
Must be able to read and write this in the English language
to vote. (Article VI)
The General Assembly mainains a public ____ system.
(Article IX)
Eleven members of the State Board of Education are
_____________ by the Governor (Article IX)
This chamber has the power to try all impeachment cases.
(Artilce II)
The Governor can _________ and appoint state officers.
(Article III)
Elected Officials take a _______ of office. (Article VI)
This division consists of the Supreme Court and the Court
of Appeals. (Article IV)
This tax's rate can't exceed ten percent. (Article V)
The branch with the House and the Senate. (Article II)
The branch with the Governor and Lt. Governor. (Article III)
These are applicable to every unit of local government,
unless exceptions exist (Article XIV)
This branch houses the courts. (Article IV)
Can't be convicted of this to vote. (Article VI)
This tax can't be levied by the General Assembly, counties,
cities, or towns. (Article V)
The Constitution requires each county to have one of these
elected. (Article VII)
NC public schools have to operate at least _____ months a
year. (Article IX)