Missouri Constitution Test Consists of Supreme Court, Circuit, Municipal, Appeals, etc. Judicial Branch

 Highest court in MO  hears cases on appeal from lower courts or transferred from appeals court  Chief Justice presides over court Missouri Supreme Court  7 justices  12 year terms  30 years old  U.S. citizen at least 15 years  qualified MO voter 9 years

The Missouri Circuit Courts (trial courts) All cases under state law first come to trial in one of the state’s Circuit Courts 4-year term of office for judges 44 Circuit Court districts

The MO Court of Appeals Eastern district: 14 judges Western district: 11 judges Southern district: 7 judges 12-year term of office hears cases on appeal from lower courts Requirements must be at least 30 years old must be citizen of U.S. at least 15 years must be qualified MO voter at least 9 years

Examples of Local Governments in Missouri Municipalities A municipality is an incorporated local government, meaning it is organized under Missouri law with corporate and governmental characteristics. Cities, villages, and incorporated towns are considered municipalities.

Examples of Local Governments in Missouri, cont. Townships A township is a sub-administrative unit of county government with very limited powers. Usually, the main function of a township is road maintenance. There are 23 counties in Missouri with township government, mostly located in the northwest of the state.

Examples of Local Governments in Missouri, cont. Counties A county is a sub-administrative unit of state government. Counties carry out crucial state functions such as taxation and law enforcement. There are 114 counties in Missouri.

Examples of Local Governments in Missouri, cont. Special Districts A special district is usually a one- service local government, but can overlay other local government entities. The most common special districts in Missouri provide fire protection, road maintenance, and water supply.

Examples of Local Governments in Missouri, cont. School Districts School districts administer and provide for public education within recognized governmental systems. In Missouri, they function under dual control of local and state governmental influences or mandates.

Missouri Constitution Test Uniqueness of MO o Our County – Christian o County to the north – Greene o County where Branson is located – Taney

Missouri Constitution Test o Border states – North = Iowa, South = Arkansas, East = Illinois, West – Kansas. o Population of MO – 6 million AR KS IA IL

FLAG OF MISSOURI DESIGNED: Marie Elizabeth Watkins Oliver ADOPTED: 1913 RED STRIPE: Valor WHITE STRIPE: Purity BLUE STRIPE: Vigilance and Justice STARS IN A CIRCLE: 24 th state in the Union The Bald Eagle grasping the olive branches of peace and the arrows of war in its talons. This represents the strength and powers of the Federal Government. The small grizzly bear symbolizes the strength and bravery of the citizens of the State. The crescent moon symbolizes the State of Missouri at the time of its induction into the union; a State with a small population and wealth and huge potential. The crescent moon also symbolizes the "second son." Missouri was the second State to be carved from the territory acquired with the Louisiana Purchase. The shield is encircled by a belt inscribed "United we stand, divided we fall" indicating the advantage of the union of the United States. Two more grizzly bears, one on each side of the shield, echo the bravery and strength of the State's citizens. They are standing on a scroll displaying the Missouri State Motto, Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law). Below the scroll are the Roman Numerals for 1820, the year that Missouri became a member of the United States. Above the shield a helmet is depicted, representing Missouri as a sovereign State. A large star surrounded by 23 smaller stars signifies Missouri's status as the 24th State. A cloud around the large star represents the difficulties that Missouri endured on its way to Statehood.

Missouri Constitution Test o State Flower – Hawthorne o State Tree – Dogwood o State Bird – Blue Bird o State Song – Missouri Waltz o State Musical Instrument – Fiddle o State Insect – Honey Bee o Highest Point – Taum Sauk Mountain at 1772 feet.