Welcome to North Carolina The Tar Heel State

Our State…..

Your Objectives for this week:  3.01 Identify the principles in the North Carolina Constitution and local charters.  3.02 Explain how the North Carolina Constitution and local charters define the framework, organization, and structure of government at the state and local level.  3.03 Explain how the state constitution grants and limits the authority of public officials and government agencies.  3.04 Describe how the state constitution and local charters may be changed, and analyze the impact of specific changes.

Coming Attractions for the Week:  We will look at: –The Declaration of Rights –The General Assembly –North Carolina’s Judicial System –Robeson County –Lumberton’s City Government –Services provided by the State

Declaration of Rights Made Easy  Section 1: –All men are created equal and are given rights such as the freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Section 2: –The power lies within the people and is subject to the will of the people  Section 3: –The people have the power to regulate their internal government.

Declaration of Rights Made Easy  Section 4: –Secession from the United States is illegal.  Section 5: –All citizens owe their allegiance to the United States  Section 6: –Separation of Powers between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.

Declaration of Rights Continued  Section 7: –Laws can not be suspended without the approval of government Representatives.  Section 8: –People cannot be taxed without their consent or the consent of the General Assembly.  Section 9: –The state shall have frequent elections

Declaration of Rights Made Easy  Section 10: –All elections shall be free.  Section 11: –Property can not affect the political rights and privileges of people.  Section 12: –People have a right to assemble and petition.  Section 13: –People have the freedom to worship whomever they choose.

Other Rights in the Declaration of Rights  Freedom of Speech and Petition (Section 14)  Education (Section 15)  The Right to Bear Arms (Section 30)

Where can I find more information?  stitution/article1.html

General Assembly Recall from Friday our discussion on the General Assembly. The General Assembly is divided into two houses *The State Senate The House of Representatives Members of the General Assembly are elected for two year terms.

State Senate  Our State Senate has 50 members. –Each member on average covers 2 or more Counties. Their coverage area is also known as a Senatorial District. –Our State Senator is: David F. Weinstein –Like the US Senate, our State Senate has standing committees standing committees

The House of Representatives  Our House of Representatives has 120 members.  The house also has standing committees.  Robeson County’s Representatives are: –Garland E. Pierce (District 48)Garland E. Pierce –Ronnie Sutton (District 47)Ronnie Sutton –Douglas Y. Yongue (District 46)Douglas Y. Yongue

State Agencies:  North Carolina has several state agencies that are responsible for the execution of laws by the legislature.  The heads of these agencies are elected or appointed by the governor.  They carry out and implement state policy.

State Agencies  The largest is the Department of Health and Human Services The largest is the Department of Health and Human Services –Annual Budget is over 20% of the state’s total budget. –The department is divided into 24 divisions and offices including Aging Child Development Mental Health Social Services

The Division of Parks and Recreation:  Part of the Department of Environmental Health and Natural Resources –Runs and preserves the State Parks and Recreation Areas.

The D.O.T.  The Department of Transportation –Maintains Roads –Constructs Roads –Plans Roads The DOT also manages transportation such as Ferries Buses Railroads Highways

The DOT Continued  The DOT also runs the Drivers License Offices or the DMV  They also register motor vehicles.