STATE AND LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
THEME A -The Political Evolution of
State Government
State constitutions in the postrevolutionary War era contained
provisions for a relatively weak
governor but a strong state legislature,
which in many cases appointed the
governor.
1). The Jacksonian Era
Multiplying the number of elected
officials and keeping them as weak
as possible.
(2). The Progressive Response
Desire to purify politics and make
government more efficient by
attaching the sources of partisan
influence.
The modern progressive school
has had most success at the state
level, whereas the Jacksonian
conceptual framework, better
adapted to providing
representation for minorities, has
achieved effectiveness in local
government
THEME B
The Legal Context of State
and Local Government
The Tenth Amendment which reserves
powers to the states, has had limited
contemporary significance, since the
Supreme Court generally refuses to
restrict the exercise of federal power.
However, the states do possess powers
which are not prohibited by the
Constitution. The state police powers
that is powers which promote health,
safety, and morals are especially
significant.
1. Local Government exist only
at pleasure of the states Dillion's Rule vs Home Rule
Cities and other divisions are
municipal corporations charted
by the state via a special act or
general act charter.
Dillion's rule provides that a
charter's application be interpreted
very narrowly. Home-run permits a
broad interpretation. Under
Dillon's rule the city can do only
what the charter says it can do.
Under home rule the city can do
anything not restrict by the charter.
2. Progressive reform
is evidenced by state
practices of initiative,
referendum and recall.
THEME C
State and Local Government
Structures
State Governors
1. Serve one or two four year terms
2. Run for office separately from the
lieutenant governor in most states - Nebraska
uses the team concept.
3. Have line item veto in 43 states
State Legislatures
1. Reynolds v Sims (1964) - one
person, one vote called for massive
reapportionment
2. Have wide variation in salaries
$99,000 a year in California to $200
per biennium in New Hampshire.
$12,000 in Nebraska
State Courts
1. Two kinds of trial courts - minor
or municipal and trial courts. At the
top is the state supreme court which
can declare state and federal laws
unconstitutional.
2. Five methods of picking judges partisan elections, nonpartisan
elections, appointment by governor,
appointment by state legislature,
and the Missouri Plan (appointment
and then stand for election
approval)
Local Government
The Mayor - Council Plan
Council - Manager Plan
Commission Plan
Metropolitan Plan
THEME D - POLITICS AND
POLICIES.
Progressive structures usually
employ experts who are sensitive to
national opinion and tend to be trend
setters. Jacksonian structures
magnify the political power of
elected official who are more aware
of local opinion.
SELF TEST
1. In many American cities
legislative and executive powers
are fused instead of separated.
True
False
1. In many American cities
legislative and executive powers
are fused instead of separated.
True (Correct Answer)
False
2. The Tenth Amendment was
designed as and serves as a
protection of exclusive state
governmental powers.
True
False
2. The Tenth Amendment was
designed as and serves as a
protection of exclusive state
governmental powers.
True
False (Correct Answer)
3. The oldest state constitution,
that of Massachusetts, predates
the U.S. Constitution.
True
False
3. The oldest state constitution,
that of Massachusetts, predates
the U.S. Constitution.
True (Correct Answer)
False
4. State legislatures are
essentially imitations of the U.S.
Congress.
True
False
4. State legislatures are
essentially imitations of the U.S.
Congress.
True
False (Correct Answer)
5. The problem of crime control
has always been high on the
federal agenda.
True
False
5. The problem of crime control
has always been high on the
federal agenda.
True
False (Correct Answer)
6. Principles espoused by the
Antifederalists but adopted in
many states included all of the
following except
Numerous elected officials.
Indirect election of governors.
Short terms of office.
Weak executives.
6. Principles espoused by the
Antifederalists but adopted in
many states included all of the
following except
Numerous elected officials.
Indirect election of governors.
(Correct Answer)
Short terms of office.
Weak executives.
7. State constitutions resemble the
federal one in:
Setting forth governmental offices and
powers
Including specific legislative decisions.
Including a bill of rights.
Requiring amendments to be adopted by
a two-thirds majority
7. State constitutions resemble the
federal one in:
Setting forth governmental offices and
powers (Correct Answer)
Including specific legislative decisions.
Including a bill of rights.
Requiring amendments to be adopted by
a two-thirds majority
8. Which of the following statements
about the powers of governors to
appoint other executive officers is
true?
They are extensive.
They are restricted.
They are parallel to those of the
president.
They vary widely from state to state.
8. Which of the following statements
about the powers of governors to
appoint other executive officers is true?
They are extensive.
They are restricted.
They are parallel to those of the
president.
They vary widely from state to state.
(Correct Answer)