1. 03.01.2012  Bell Ringer:  What do you know about state government? Topic: State Government Objectives: Identify the main components of state government Why? To prepare for our trip to Denver!  Agenda: quick powerpoint, review handouts, articles

2. Colorado Government

3. Three Branches of the State  Executive  Governor  Governor Bill Ritter  Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien  Legislative  Senate (Senate District 13)  Senator Scott Renfroe  House (House District 65)  Representative Jerry Sonnenberg  Judicial  Courts

4. Governor Ritter Signs a Bill

5. Colorado Sunshine Law  Requires state and local government bodies to discuss public business in a setting that is open to the public  State level– applicable to two or more members of a body  Must post meeting details in a designated place within a reasonable time before the meeting

6. District Senator Scott RenfroeRepresentative Jerry Sonnenberg

7. Legislative Districts Senate Districts (as of 2002)House Districts (as of 2002)

8. Amendments vs. Initiatives vs. Referendums  Amendment  A change made to current law  Initiative  Also called a “Citizen’s Initiative”  Citizens introduce legislation to the Legislature  Referendum  Ballot question

9. Initiative Process  Review and Comment  Title Setting and Appeal  Petition Circulation

10. 03.04.2011  Bell Ringer:  One most significant thing you learned yesterday….  State Government  Objectives: reflect on capitol experience; learn more!  Why: finish up unit (short!) on state government Agenda: watch video, write reflection, more research

11.  Colorado action on the floor! Colorado action on the floor!

12. More info—respond to the following information and questions in a paragraph  Term limits  House—4 terms (8 years)  Senate—2 terms (8 years)  Governor—2 terms (8 years)  Salary—30K  Governor—90K (4 th lowest in nation)  Why is this information significant?  SHOULD we have limits at state level?  SHOULD we have limits at federal level?

13. Reflect! It help you learn and grow….  In an organized paragraph, write about one significant thing you learned from each of the three tours: legislative, historical, and dome  In the SAME paragraph, address the following questions:  What was your impression of the senator and rep?  What “big picture” idea did you take away from the experience yesterday?  Is this a worthwhile field trip? Why/not?