MrE LaHistory Tuesday Oct. 21, 2009 IN THE NEWS project due Friday Executive Branch chart due Monday La. Government Ch 4

1.Which government: state, federal, or both, collects taxes ? 2.How long has Gov. Jindal been in office? Oct. 21, 1779 ~ Spanish La. Commander Galvez captured New Richmond (Baton Rouge) from the English.

Time to Think If you could be an elected official what would it be and why? Think of local and national leaders A judge? The Governor? A legislator? Maybe even the President… You have 2 minutes FACT #1

Structure of Government What was our definition of government? An organization in a society with the authority 1)To Make, 2) Carry Out, 3) and Enforce Laws LA’s constitution follows the US constitution, with three branches of government. Like the US government the state powers are divided among the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches FACT #2

Branches Which branch of the government do you think enforces laws? The Legislative, Executive, or Judicial branch?

Structure of Government If you said the Executive branch, pat yourself on the back! The Executive branch implements and enforces laws. FACT #3

Structure of State Government Who do you think is the chief executive officer of the state of Louisiana? The Governor

Structure of Government Some other key positions that are part of the Executive branch are: Lieutenant Governor Secretary of State Treasurer Attorney General Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner of Insurance FACT #4

Structure of State Gov’t Who do you think makes the laws in Louisiana? The Legislative branch! The Legislative branch makes the laws for the state of Louisiana. FACT #5

Structure of Government Like the United States Congress, Louisiana’s legislature has 2 bodies-the house of representatives and the senate. This is known as “Bicameral” which literally translated from Latin means “Two Chambers”. FACT #6

Structure of Government Key Points Any one old enough to vote is old enough to be elected to the Louisiana legislature. The candidate must be a registered voter, at least 18 years old, and a resident of the state for at least 2 years, and of the district for at least 1 year. Can you run for state legislature? What about in 5 years? FACT #7

Structure of Government The Legislature writes and approves laws. Proposed laws are known as Bills, and they may be introduced into either chamber of the legislature. Only about 1/3 of the proposed bills become law. FACT #8

Structure of Government That leaves us with just one branch left! Which branch carries out (or interprets and applies) the laws of the state and the constitution? The Judicial Branch FACT #9

Structure of State Gov’t The Judicial Branch of state government interprets and applies the constitution and laws of Louisiana. There are 2 different types of law that the judicial branch deals with. We have covered one type known as… Civil Law  deals with the relationships between and among people FACT #10

Structure of State Government What do you think the other type of law could the courts deal with? Criminal Law  deal with the protection of society from the wrongdoing of an individual.

Structure of Government What do you think are some key positions available in the judicial branch of state government? Judges District Attorneys Jury members FACT #11

Limits on Power The separation of power creates a system of Checks and Balances within the government. The Governor can veto (or refuse to approve) bills passed by the legislature. The Legislature can override a veto, but must do this with a 2/3rds vote. The Judicial branch can limit the power of the other two branches by exercising the power of judicial review FACT #12