Which level of government does these things? Determines marriage laws Determines marriage laws Builds new schools Builds new schools Repairs streets and removes snow from streets Repairs streets and removes snow from streets Picks up your trash and provides you water Picks up your trash and provides you water Determines hunting laws and gun laws. Determines hunting laws and gun laws. Attracts new businesses into town to provide jobs. Attracts new businesses into town to provide jobs. Catches and confines criminals in our city. Catches and confines criminals in our city. Provides facilities for our youth athletic teams. Provides facilities for our youth athletic teams. Provides for dog license and fishing license. Provides for dog license and fishing license. Determines who can teach, practice medicine, sell real estate, practice law and drive. Determines who can teach, practice medicine, sell real estate, practice law and drive. Taxes our gasoline, cigarettes, cell phones, cars, income and provides for a sale tax. Taxes our gasoline, cigarettes, cell phones, cars, income and provides for a sale tax.

Why? If it is State and Local Government that provides all the items on the previous slide, then why do we focus all our attention on the Federal Government and National Politics and so little on State and Local?????????????????????????????? If it is State and Local Government that provides all the items on the previous slide, then why do we focus all our attention on the Federal Government and National Politics and so little on State and Local??????????????????????????????

Quick lesson on Geography of Virginia

3 Branches of Government 1. Executive---Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General 2. Legislature---General Assembly of Virginia 3. Judicial---The State Supreme Court and all other state courts.

Executive Branch The Governor is Bob McDonnell (R) The Governor is Bob McDonnell (R) The Governor of Virginia may not succeed him or herself. Mills Godwin is the only Governor of Virginia to be elected twice. The Governor of Virginia may not succeed him or herself. Mills Godwin is the only Governor of Virginia to be elected twice. Governors must be 30 years old. Governors must be 30 years old. Governors must be a resident of Va. and a registered voter in Va. for the 5 years preceding the election. Governors must be a resident of Va. and a registered voter in Va. for the 5 years preceding the election. The Governors most important responsibility is to prepare the state budget every two years. The Governors most important responsibility is to prepare the state budget every two years. The Governor has the power to grant reprieves, pardons, and commutations. The Governor has the power to grant reprieves, pardons, and commutations.

Executive Branch continued The Governor appoints ten Secretaries to help him/her run the State Government---Ex. Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Education The Governor appoints ten Secretaries to help him/her run the State Government---Ex. Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Education The Governor is the Commander in Chief of the State National Guard and State Police. The Governor is the Commander in Chief of the State National Guard and State Police. The Governor has the power to veto legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly. The Governor has the power to veto legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly. The Governor of Va. has the power of item veto. The Governor of Va. has the power of item veto. The Governor of Va. has a mansion in Richmond provided for his or her family. The Governor of Va. has a mansion in Richmond provided for his or her family.

Virginias Governor Bob McDonnell

Executive Branch Continued Lt. Governor Currently the Lt. Governor is Bill Bolling a republican. This is his second term Currently the Lt. Governor is Bill Bolling a republican. This is his second term The Lt. Governor has very few powers. The Lt. Governor has very few powers. Presides over the State Senate but can only vote if there is a tie. (Remember the V.P.) Presides over the State Senate but can only vote if there is a tie. (Remember the V.P.) Qualifications are the same as the Governor. Qualifications are the same as the Governor. No restrictions on the number of terms. No restrictions on the number of terms.

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia--- Bill Bowling

Executive Branch Attorney General Ken Cuccenelli is the Attorney General he is a republican Ken Cuccenelli is the Attorney General he is a republican Qualifications are the same as the Governor. Qualifications are the same as the Governor. No restrictions on number of terms. No restrictions on number of terms. The Attorney General of Virginia is elected to represent the state or any of its agencies in civil or criminal cases before the courts. The Attorney General of Virginia is elected to represent the state or any of its agencies in civil or criminal cases before the courts.

Attorney General of Virginia Ken Cuccinelli

Legislative Branch of Va. The General Assembly The oldest continuous law making body in the new world. First met in Jamestown in The oldest continuous law making body in the new world. First met in Jamestown in BicameralState Senate of Virginia 40 members House of Delegates of Virginia 100 members. State is divided into 40 State Senatorial Districts and 100 House of Delegate Districts. BicameralState Senate of Virginia 40 members House of Delegates of Virginia 100 members. State is divided into 40 State Senatorial Districts and 100 House of Delegate Districts. Greg Habeeb is your Delegate-republican (8 th District) Greg Habeeb is your Delegate-republican (8 th District) Ralph Smith is your State Senator-republican (22 nd. District----changing) Ralph Smith is your State Senator-republican (22 nd. District----changing) Terms in the House of Delegates- 2 yearsno term limits---Terms in State Senate- 4 years– no term limits Terms in the House of Delegates- 2 yearsno term limits---Terms in State Senate- 4 years– no term limits

Ralph Smith---your State Senator.

Virginia House of Delegate Districts

Northern Virginia House of Delegate Districts

General Assembly continued Currently there are 44 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 53 Republicans in the House of Delegates. (1 vacancy) Currently there are 44 Democrats, 2 Independents, and 53 Republicans in the House of Delegates. (1 vacancy) Currently there are 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the State Senate. Currently there are 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the State Senate.

General Assembly continued General Assembly of Virginia is a part time job. General Assembly of Virginia is a part time job. It meets beginning on the second Wednesday in January for 60 days on even numbered years, and 30 days on odd numbered years. It meets beginning on the second Wednesday in January for 60 days on even numbered years, and 30 days on odd numbered years. Sessions can be extended and often are. Sessions can be extended and often are. Special Sessions are used to see if they can override a Gubernatorial (Governors) veto. Special Sessions are used to see if they can override a Gubernatorial (Governors) veto. Pay is $18,000 a year in the Senate and $17,640 in the House of Delegates. Pay is $18,000 a year in the Senate and $17,640 in the House of Delegates.

Budget of Virginia Four big ticket items for Virginia and all other states: education, medication, transportation, incarceration. Four big ticket items for Virginia and all other states: education, medication, transportation, incarceration.

State Court System of Virginia State Supreme Court State Supreme Court State Appeals Court State Appeals Court State Circuit Courts State Circuit Courts State District Courts State District Courts State Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court State Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court

Judicial Branch of Virginia State Supreme Court is highest court in Va. State Supreme Court is highest court in Va. The State Supreme Court of Va. has 7 Justices. The State Supreme Court of Va. has 7 Justices. Justices are elected by a joint vote of the General Assembly to a 12 year term. Justices are elected by a joint vote of the General Assembly to a 12 year term. The next level down in the Va. Court System is the Va. Court of Appeals Judges elected by General Assembly for a term of 8 years. The next level down in the Va. Court System is the Va. Court of Appeals Judges elected by General Assembly for a term of 8 years. Circuit Courts of Va. have both original and appellate jurisdiction. There 31 Circuits in Va.. Circuit Courts are felony trial courts.---Judges elected by General Assembly for a term of 8 years. Circuit Courts of Va. have both original and appellate jurisdiction. There 31 Circuits in Va.. Circuit Courts are felony trial courts.---Judges elected by General Assembly for a term of 8 years. General District Courts hear all misdemeanors and small civil cases. Cases are heard by a judge without a jury. You may appeal a decision to the Circuit Court. General District Courts hear all misdemeanors and small civil cases. Cases are heard by a judge without a jury. You may appeal a decision to the Circuit Court. Juvenile and Domestic Relations court hears cases involving juveniles and problems that might develop within a family. Juvenile and Domestic Relations court hears cases involving juveniles and problems that might develop within a family.

Local Government

Local Government in Virginia Local Governments are organized differently from state to state. Instead of counties, Louisiana has Parishes. In New England, instead of towns they have villages. Local Governments are organized differently from state to state. Instead of counties, Louisiana has Parishes. In New England, instead of towns they have villages. All local governments have been created by the states in which they are found. All local governments have been created by the states in which they are found.

Salem Salem founded in 1802 Salem founded in 1802 Given charter as a town in 1806 in county of Botetourt Given charter as a town in 1806 in county of Botetourt Given charter as a city in Given charter as a city in School system broke with Roanoke County in School system broke with Roanoke County in City owns and operates: water system, electric distribution system, and sewage system. City owns and operates: water system, electric distribution system, and sewage system.

Local Government Salem Virginia has 3 types of local governmentsthey are all created by the state and they are granted charters by the General Assembly. Virginia has 3 types of local governmentsthey are all created by the state and they are granted charters by the General Assembly. Counties---separate and independent Counties---separate and independent Cities---separate and independent Cities---separate and independent Towns---part of counties. Towns---part of counties.

Virginia Cities Alexandria, Virginia Alexandria, Virginia Alexandria, Virginia Alexandria, Virginia Bedford, Virginia Bedford, Virginia Bedford, Virginia Bedford, Virginia Bristol, Virginia Bristol, Virginia Bristol, Virginia Bristol, Virginia Buena Vista, Virginia Buena Vista, Virginia Buena Vista, Virginia Buena Vista, Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia Chesapeake, Virginia Colonial Heights, Virginia Colonial Heights, Virginia Colonial Heights, Virginia Colonial Heights, Virginia Covington, Virginia Covington, Virginia Covington, Virginia Covington, Virginia Danville, Virginia Danville, Virginia Danville, Virginia Danville, Virginia Emporia, Virginia Emporia, Virginia Emporia, Virginia Emporia, Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax, Virginia Falls Church, Virginia Falls Church, Virginia Falls Church, Virginia Falls Church, Virginia Franklin, Virginia Franklin, Virginia Franklin, Virginia Franklin, Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia Fredericksburg, Virginia Galax, Virginia Galax, Virginia Galax, Virginia Galax, Virginia Hampton, Virginia Hampton, Virginia Hampton, Virginia Hampton, Virginia Harrisonburg, Virginia Harrisonburg, VirginiaHarrisonburg, VirginiaHarrisonburg, Virginia Hopewell, Virginia Hopewell, Virginia Hopewell, Virginia Hopewell, Virginia Lexington, Virginia Lexington, Virginia Lexington, Virginia Lexington, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia Lynchburg, Virginia Manassas, Virginia Manassas, Virginia Manassas, Virginia Manassas, Virginia Manassas Park, Virginia Manassas Park, Virginia Manassas Park, Virginia Manassas Park, Virginia Martinsville, Virginia Martinsville, Virginia Martinsville, Virginia Martinsville, Virginia Newport News, Virginia Newport News, Virginia Newport News, Virginia Newport News, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Norfolk, Virginia Norton, Virginia Norton, Virginia Norton, Virginia Norton, Virginia Petersburg, Virginia Petersburg, Virginia Petersburg, Virginia Petersburg, Virginia Poquoson, Virginia Poquoson, Virginia Poquoson, Virginia Poquoson, Virginia Portsmouth, Virginia Portsmouth, Virginia Portsmouth, Virginia Portsmouth, Virginia Radford, Virginia Radford, Virginia Radford, Virginia Radford, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Salem, Virginia Salem, Virginia Salem, Virginia Salem, Virginia Staunton, Virginia Staunton, Virginia Staunton, Virginia Staunton, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Suffolk, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach, Virginia Waynesboro, Virginia Waynesboro, Virginia Waynesboro, Virginia Waynesboro, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia Winchester, Virginia Winchester, Virginia Winchester, Virginia Winchester, Virginia

Counties in Virginia---99

Cities in Virginia Cities are governed by City Councils elected by the people in that city. Cities are governed by City Councils elected by the people in that city. Salem elects 5 council members at large to four year terms and meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month) Salem elects 5 council members at large to four year terms and meet on the second and fourth Monday of each month) The Mayor of Salem is considered as one of the Council members. The Mayor is Randy Foley, other council members are John Givens, Jane Johnson, Lisa Garst, Bill Jones The Mayor of Salem is considered as one of the Council members. The Mayor is Randy Foley, other council members are John Givens, Jane Johnson, Lisa Garst, Bill Jones

Salem City Councilnext meetings May 11, June 8, July 13 From left to rightBill Jones, Jane Johnson, Randy Foley, Lisa Garst, and John Givens From left to rightBill Jones, Jane Johnson, Randy Foley, Lisa Garst, and John Givens

City Managers City Councils hire a City Manager to run the city from day to day. They are responsible for all city departments except schools (examples: Recreation, Streets, Water and Sewage). City Councils hire a City Manager to run the city from day to day. They are responsible for all city departments except schools (examples: Recreation, Streets, Water and Sewage). Salems City Manager is Kevin Boggess Salems City Manager is Kevin Boggess Assistant is Jay Taliaferro Assistant is Jay Taliaferro

Salem City Manager Kevin Boggess

Schools in Salem The City Council of Salem appoints a School Board ( in some counties School Board members are elected) The City Council of Salem appoints a School Board ( in some counties School Board members are elected) Salem City School Board---Sally Southard, Cynthia Neathawk, Artice Ledbetter, Michael Chiglinsky, and David Preston Salem City School Board---Sally Southard, Cynthia Neathawk, Artice Ledbetter, Michael Chiglinsky, and David Preston The School Board hires an expert to actually run the schools on a day to day basis. This person is called a Superintendent---Dr. Allan Seibert. The School Board hires an expert to actually run the schools on a day to day basis. This person is called a Superintendent---Dr. Allan Seibert.

Other elected officials in Salem --all except Chance up for election Nov. 3 –no opponents 1. Commissioner of the Revenue Linda Carroll Linda Carroll 2. City Sheriff-----Ric Atkins 3. Commonwealth Attorney-Thomas Bowers 4. TreasurerBonnie McCormick (not pictured) 5. Clerk of Court –Chance Crawford (not pictured)

City Revenue The City Treasurer is responsible for the safeguarding of all city funds which includes the investment of city revenue and the collection of revenue (money). The City Treasurer is responsible for the safeguarding of all city funds which includes the investment of city revenue and the collection of revenue (money). Two most important sources of Revenue Two most important sources of Revenue 1. real estate taxes 2. personal property taxes Other Sources of Revenue for Salem bank stock, public utility, meals and lodging taxes as well as business licenses, all miscellaneous charges, fees, permits and issuing auto decals and dog licenses. bank stock, public utility, meals and lodging taxes as well as business licenses, all miscellaneous charges, fees, permits and issuing auto decals and dog licenses.

Taxes and Spending in Salem Real Property Tax---a tax on land and building on the land--$1.18 per $100 of value example: $200,000 tax is $2,360. Real Property Tax---a tax on land and building on the land--$1.18 per $100 of value example: $200,000 tax is $2,360. Personal Property Tax---a tax on cars---$3.20 per $100 of value. The state has reduced this burden on Va. residents by 70% by reimbursing local governments for part of the tax. Therefore if your car is valued at 10,000 you owe $320---however since the state reimburses 70% you actually owe $96. Personal Property Tax---a tax on cars---$3.20 per $100 of value. The state has reduced this burden on Va. residents by 70% by reimbursing local governments for part of the tax. Therefore if your car is valued at 10,000 you owe $320---however since the state reimburses 70% you actually owe $96. Besides taxes on real and personal property Salem has a restaurant tax, an entertainment tax, tobacco tax, and cell phone tax Besides taxes on real and personal property Salem has a restaurant tax, an entertainment tax, tobacco tax, and cell phone tax The number one expense for all local governments in Virginia is education % of the Salem budget per year. The number one expense for all local governments in Virginia is education % of the Salem budget per year.

Counties in Virginia In Counties the people elect a Board of Supervisors that do the same thing as City Councils. In Counties the people elect a Board of Supervisors that do the same thing as City Councils. Usually these Supervisors represent a particular part of the countythey are not elected at large. Usually these Supervisors represent a particular part of the countythey are not elected at large. The Board of Supervisors hire an expert to run the county called a County Manger. They are responsible for all County Departments except education. The Board of Supervisors hire an expert to run the county called a County Manger. They are responsible for all County Departments except education. The people of Va. Counties usually elect a School Board who then appoints a Superintendent of Schools. The people of Va. Counties usually elect a School Board who then appoints a Superintendent of Schools.