American Government State & Local Governments

Objectives Explain how federalism gives power to the State government. Compare and contrast State governments with the national government. Identify the powers of the governor.

Federalism Federalism is the separation of government powers between State and the national government. – According to Amendment IV in the Constitution “States may exercise all powers not given to the national government or denied to the States”. – Marriage/Divorce, education, conduct elections, police, regulate business within their borders, organize local governments. The federal and State government cooperate and take care of each other. (ex. Federal government protects the States and the States run national elections) States also cooperate with one another. – Ex. If you have a driver’s license in one State it is recognized in every State.

State Constitutions The United States Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land”, everything in it must be followed by the States. However, each State has its own Constitution. – As long as the State has a republican form of government, they can set up their government how they see fit. – Although most States’ systems of government resemble the National government. (3 branches, amendments, etc.)

The State Executive Branch The Governor = the State executive The governors of each State are elected directly; no electoral college. In Wisconsin, the governor serves for four years, unless he/she is recalled. Like the presidency, there is also a list of people that take over if he/she cannot perform their job. (WI=lieutenant governor)

The State Executive (cont.) Powers of the governor: – Chief executive: executes the laws (signs or vetoes) – Chief legislator: suggests laws to be passed. – Commander in Chief: controls the National Guard – Party Leader – Ceremonial leader: represents everyone living in their State. – Judicial leader: grants pardons and reprieves Like the National government, each State also has executive departments and agencies (ex. Education, agriculture, labor, etc.)

The State Legislature Each State is divided into legislative districts (WI= 33) – Each district elects representatives to the State legislature. The legislative process is usually similar to the process at the national level. – One difference is the line item veto, which gives the governor the power to cross out certain things that he/she does not like in the bill. Besides passing laws, the other main function of the legislature is to pass a biennial (two-year) budget.

The State Judiciary The State Judiciary is organized the same way as the national judiciary. District  Appellate Courts  State Supreme Court The State Supreme Court only hears cases that involve its State Constitution, not the U.S. Constitution.

Local Government According to the Census, there are around 89,527 governments within the U.S. Local governments get all of their power from the State in which they reside. State governments can grant as much or as little power as they wish to city governments.

Counties States are further divided into counties. Counties usually serve as judicial districts and aid in making State government more efficient. Counties are then divided further into towns, villages and cities. There are no size requirements for a county. The number in States range from 0 (Connecticut) to 254 (Texas).

County Government Structure The county is frequently run by an elected board. Milwaukee county is run by a board of supervisors. The county executive is the head of the board. The current Milwaukee county executive is Chris Abele. County government’s most important function is to deal with the budget. County boards make and enforce laws and administrate other government functions like roads and jail system. Chris Abele

Forms of City Government Mayor-Council Government: Both the mayor and council are elected. Can either be strong-mayor or weak-mayor governments. Commission: Made up of usually five elected officials that individually head the various city departments. Police, fire, finance, parks & recreation, and public works Council-Manager: Consists of a strong elected council (usually 5-7 members), a weak mayor chosen by voters, and a manager appointed by the council to carry out laws.

Responsibilities of Local Government Police and Fire Build and maintain infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.) Parks and Recreation Education Libraries Airports Sanitation Disease prevention Regulate traffic and behavior

Who Represents You? Mayor: Tom Barrett Democrat Elected in 2004 Was re-elected in 2012 winning 70% of the vote! Has ran for governor twice and lost both times.