1. Monday January 12, 2015 Who is the leader of the executive branch at the state level?

2. State Government Structure Legislative Executive Judicial State Capitol Governor's Mansion Supreme Court

3. Structure of the Virginia State Government 7a The Virginia Constitution defines the structure and powers of the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia  The form of government of the Commonwealth of Virginia is established by the Virginia Constitution.  The original constitution of Virginia was drafted in 1776, along with the Declaration of Independence.  There have been six (6) major revisions (in 1830, 1851, 1864, 1870, 1902, and the current version in 1971.

4. Structure of the Virginia State Government II 7a Similar to the United States Constitution, the legislative, executive, and judicial powers are separated at the state level of government by the Virginia Constitution. The Virginia Constitution distributes power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the state government Legislative Judicial Executive

5. The Virginia Legislative Branch The legislative branch in Virginia is called the General Assembly, a bicameral (two- house) legislature made up of:  Virginia Senate  House of Delegates Richmond, VA House of Delegates:  Consists of 100 members, each representing about 71,000 people  Elected for 2 year term  Annual salary $17,640.00 Virginia Senate:  Consists of 40 members, each representing about 400,000 people  Elected for 4 year term  Annual salary $18,000.00 The two houses meet annually for a fixed number of days. 7a

6. The Virginia Executive Branch Virginia Governor’s Mansion  The chief executive of Virginia is the Governor.  The Governor is elected to a four (4) year term of office.  The Governor appoints members of the cabinet, who oversee specific functions of government.  The Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General are executive branch officials who are elected to a four (4) year term of office.  Virginia governors cannot serve consecutive terms  Per the state constitution, an incumbent governor may not run for re-election. He/she may run again in future elections.  First governor of Virginia? Patrick Henry 7a

7. The Virginia Judicial Branch 7a The judicial power in the state of Virginia is exercised by a court system that consists of four (4) levels: #1: Supreme Court #2: Court of Appeals #3: Circuit Courts #4: District Courts and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Courts

8. Federalism 7b The Constitution of the United States establishes the principle of federalism, which is the division of power between the states and the national government The U.S. Constitution also establishes that under this federal form of government:  The national government is supreme.  Powers not given to the national government by the Constitution are reserved to the states.  Certain powers are denied to both the national and state governments – neither can take away the right to a fair trial or restrict freedom of religion

9. Federalism II 7b How would you classify American Federalism? Marble Cake: Powers and responsibilities are intertwined and intermixed between national and state levels (cooperative federalism) Layer Cake: Powers and responsibilities are clearly defined between each level of government (dual federalism)

10. Federalism: Division of Responsibilities 7b  The expansion of the national government’s powers into areas traditionally reserved to the states has altered the relationship of states to the national government.  Tensions exist when federal mandates require state actions without adequate funding.  Local governments derive (get) their power from the state.

11. Federalism: Division of Responsibilities II 7b

12. Thursday January 15, 2015 What is the division of power between the federal and state government called?

13. Friday January 16, 2015 Name two powers that are reserved for the states.

14. The Virginia lawmaking process 7c  Members of the Virginia General Assembly are elected to make state laws  Elected officials in the Virginia Assembly write laws and take action in response to problems or issues  Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation  All citizens can learn the importance of individual participation in the policymaking process through direct participation and simulations

15. The Virginia lawmaking process – General Assembly 7c

16. The Virginia Legislative Branch III 7c Five Primary Issues addressed by Virginia lawmakers:  Education: To promote an informed and engaged citizenry by improving public schools, including colleges and universities, and by establishing minimum standards.  Public Health: To promote and protect the health of its citizens (funding for medical programs throughout the state.)  Environment: To protect natural resources in Virginia (i.e., improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay).  State Budget: To approve the state’s biennial (2 year) budget (which is prepared by the governor).  Taxes: To collect and levy state taxes.

17. Thursday January 22, 2015 Describe the lawmaking process in the VA General Assembly.

18. Roles and Powers of the Virginia Executive Branch 7d Current Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe  The executive branch of the Virginia state government enforces the laws and plays a key role in the policymaking process  The governor of Virginia exercises the formal powers granted by the Virginia Constitution.  In carrying out both the formal and informal powers of the executive office, the governor fills several roles, including: Chief of state Chief legislator Chief administrator Chief of Party Commander-in-chief  The governor proposes legislation (laws) during the State of the Commonwealth Address

19. Roles of the Virginia Governor 7d

20. Other Executive Branch Roles and Powers 7d  Cabinet secretaries and departments, agencies, commissions, and regulatory boards assist the Governor by:  Administering laws  Enforcing laws  Regulating aspects of business & the economy  Providing services Department of Health Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia State Police Department of Education Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services …and many more

21. 7d