Chapter 11 Section 1 pg. 190 - 194 Flashcards
Define constitution
> “written plan which sets up a form of government and establishes its basic governing principles”
What does Article IV of Constitution guarantee every state
> “republican form of government”
>two major features of republican government: rule by law and rule by representation
Give some examples of federal Constitution and state constitutions holding certain basic principles in common
> constitutional principles of popular sovereignty (reflected in ability of people to elect their representatives and have part in amending or revising of their constitution
constitutional principles of limited government (reflected in both principle of checks and balances which allows each branch of government to exercise authority over other branches and in separation of powers separating political power into 3 different branches of government)
Describe how state constitutions differ from US Constitution
US Constitution
>short
>rarely amended
>general in scope
State Constitution
>lengthy
>often amended
>specific in scope
Describe state constitution
> serves as state’s fundamental law
takes precedence over any state or local law
must not conflict with US Constitution or with federal law
Describe early state constitutions
> before independence declared, 2nd Continental Congress advised American colonies to establish state governments
majority of states adopted constitutions in 1776 or 1777, using colonial charters as models
Massachusetts constitution (adopted in 1780) - oldest written constitution how in force anywhere in the world
Massachusetts set precedent for popular participation by holding special convention where elected representatives of people drew up proposed constitution and presented it to voters for ratification
Describe the basic sections that most state constitutions can be divided into
> preamble - short introductory statement telling why constitution was written
bill of rights - provisions listing basic rights of people and limiting powers of government
description of state government - provisions fro 3 separate branches of state government with listing of officials, terms in office, qualifications, duties, and powers
description of local government - provisions for local subdivisions of state government (counties, townships, etc.) including powers of local government and responsibilities of local officers
general provisions - provisions dealing with voting qualifications and elections, collection of state taxes and appropriation of funds, education, and various other aspects of state government
provisions for change - provisions dealing with process by which constitution may be amended or revised
Define revision
> revision - major change in state constitution
Define amendment
> amendment - minor change in a state constitution
Describe process of revision to state constitutions
> most traditional method for revising constitution or adopting new one is constitutional convention
voters approve calling of convention
voters elect delegates to convention
convention delegates revise old constitution or propose new one
voters ratify or reject new or revised constitution
List the 3 methods of proposing constitutional amendments
> convention proposal (seldom used today)
legislative proposal (most commonly used
initiative proposal (process by which voters may propose constitutional amendments, differs from state to state, has various restrictions
Describe ratification of proposed constitutional amendment
> must be ratified before becomes official amendment
in every state, except Delaware, all proposed amendments must be ratified by popular vote
referendum - election in which voters of state approve or reject proposed amendment
once amendment has been properly proposed and ratified, it officially becomes part of state constitution
List one of most important functions of state government
Law enforcement is one of most important functions of state government.
