Chapter 8 Flashcards
What are they separated by?
The Constitution
What are the two Federal government
- Central Government
2. Regional Government
Two Views
- Cooperative Federalism
2. States Rights Model
Cooperative Federalism
Decision making is shared, but the Federal Government is supreme
States Rights
Competitive relationship between the state and national governments
(Gain in power for one side is a loss in power of the other side)
What is the general thinking of States Rights people
The states will have more control over local affairs
Principals of State Government
- Popular Sovereignty
- Limited Government
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- Bicameral Legislature
Which state does Bicameral Legislature not apply to
Nebraska
What are the functions of the State Government?
- Police Power
- Public Services
- To control local government
What is involved in Police Power?
- Public safety
- Public health
- Public transportation
What is involved in Public Services?
- Roads
- Education
- Fire Department
Dillon’s Rule
All units of local government are created by and subordinate to the states
What do state constitutions contain?
- Bill of Rights
- Structure of the State Government
- Established systems of local government
- Established state boards, agencies, and institutions
- Established revenue systems (taxes)
Tennessee becomes a state when
1796
What were the first capitals of Tennessee?
Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Nashville
When did Nashville become the state capital
1876
How many constitutions has TN had?
3
The constitution that we have today was written when
1870
When were the 3 different constitutions made?
- 1796
- 1835
- 1870
State Legislative Branch Characteristics
- It has a name
- Bicameral
- Session
- Committees
What is the name of the TN Legislative Branch
Tennessee General Assembly
What does it mean that the State Legislative Branch is bicameral?
It has a
- House of Representatives-99
- Senate-33
Legislative Session lasts how long
90 days over two years
What are the primary functions of the State Legislative Branch?
- Make laws
2. Provide financing for the operation of the state government
Who can the Extraordinary Sessions be called by
- Governor
2. Speaker of the House and Speaker of the Senate at the request of 2/3 of the members
Who elects the Constitutional Officers
The legislature
Who are the Constitutional Officers?
- Secretary of State
- Comptroller of the Treasury
- State Treasurer
How long is the term for the Comptroller of the Treasury and the Treasurer?
Both are two terms
Legislation (Process of a Bill)
- A bill may originate in either House (Senate of House of Reps.) but it must be introduced by the 10th legislative day
- The bill must be passed on 3 different legislative days in both Houses (6 times total)
- You must have a majority vote in both Houses
- It is then sent to the governor
What options does the governor have with a bill?
- Veto
- Majority can override the veto - Sign it
- Do nothing for 10 days and it becomes a law
State Senate term is how long?
4 years
- Staggered
Qualifications for the TN State Senate
- 30 years old
- U.S. citizen
- Lived in TN for 3 years
- Lived in the district for 1 year
Leadership Positions in the State Senate
- Lieutenant Governor (Also the State Speaker of the Senate)
- Majority Leader
- Minority Leader
- Speaker Pro Tempore
Lieutenant Governors Powers
- Succeeds the Governor
- Presides over all sessions of the senate
- Appoints all committees and the committee chairman
- Member of all standing committees
Standing Committees
Always are in existence
How many Standing Committees are there in TN?
9
- Judiciary Committee
- Transportation Committee
What is an important Select Committee?
Calendar Committee
Intermediate Appellate Courts in TN
- Courts of Appeal
2. Courts of Criminal Appeals
Courts of Appeal
Only hear civil cases
Court of Criminal Appeals
Only hear criminal cases
Trial Courts in TN
- Probate Courts
- Chancery Courts
- Circuit Courts
- Criminal Cases
- Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
- General Sessions Courts
- Municipal Courts
Probate Court
Deals with guardianships and estates
Chancery Court
Deals with domestic relations and civil cases
Circuit Court
Deals with domestic relations and civil and criminal cases
Criminal Courts
Deals with criminal cases
Court of Limited Jurisdiciton
Deals with paternity and cases involving juveniles
What is an example of Court of Limited Jurisdiction
Juvenile Courts
General Sessions Court
Deals with preliminary hearings, civil cases up to $10,000, domestic relations, mental health, misdemeanors, and DUI’s
Municipal Courts
Interpret and apply the ordinances of a town
How many counties are in TN
95
County Government Consists of
- Sheriff
- County Mayor
- County Commission
- Trustee
- Register of Deeds
- County Clerk
- Assessor of Property
- Board of Education
- County Coroner
- Super Intendant of Schools
Sheriff
Elected by the people
Sheriff’s Primary Duties
- Preserve the peace
- Maintain the jail
- Serve court orders
County Mayor
Elected by the people
County Mayor’s Duties
- In charge of the counties property
2. Must prepare a report on the counties financial situation
County Commission
Made up of the County Commissioners
What do the County Commissioners serve as
The Legislative Body
County Commission’s Duties
- Set tax rates
2. Prepare the county budget
Trustee’s Duties
- Collects the counties taxes
- Pays the counties debts
- Responsible for investing extra funds
Register of Deeds’ Duties
- Responsible for the safe keeping of the counties legal documents
County Clerk Duties
- Collect the will tax
Assessor of Property Duties
- Determines the value of all real and personal property in the county
Board of Education
Elected by the people
Board of Education Duties
Oversee the public schools
County Coroner
Declare death
Super Intendant of Schools
Appointed by the Board of Educations
