1. Governing the States

2. State Constitutions
The supreme law of a state. Sets the blueprint for how a state will be run. Can Not be in contradiction to the US Constitution.
In many ways state constitutions mirror the US Constitution…popular sovereignty and limited government are key themes. You can also observe separation of powers and checks and balances in all 50.
Problem with state constitutions in juxtaposition to the U.S.C. is they are often very specific in nature rather than written in broad themes.

3. State Constitutions
Although unique provisions are found in all 50 state constitutions…all run on five basic categories.
Basic Principles
Civil Rights
Government Structure
Governmental Powers
Constitutional Change

4. How to Propose Changing a State Constitution
State Legislature calls a constitutional convention.
Proposal by Convention
Most constitutional amendments are proposed by state legislature.
Proposal by Legislature
Voters can propose amendments in some states.
Specific number of voters sign a petition
Proposal goes on a ballot
Voters approve or reject the proposal
Proposal by Initiative

5. State Legislatures
Currently 7,382 State legislators (5,411 Reps, Senators)
49 bicameral legislatures, 1 unicameral (Nebraska)
Legislative Powers – can enact any law not in direct conflict with the US Constitution.
Source of Bills – legally only reps can propose a bill but many state agencies have a hand in authoring bills.
Direct legislation – some states give immense power to the people
Initiative – voters propose law
Referendum – Voters pass final judgment on a law by voting.

6. Governor and State Administration
Chief Executive Officer
Selection – All are selected by a popular vote.
Succession – Governorships change hands frequently.

7. Power of the Governor “First among Equals” – pg 697 Legislative Powers
The Message Power – recommend legislation
Special Session Power – call legislature into special session
Veto Power – power to strike down proposed legislation
Judicial Powers
Pardon – forgive a person of a crime
Commutation – reduce a persons sentence
Reprieve – postpone the execution of a sentence
Parole – release a prisoner early

8. Other State Executive Offices
Lt. Governor
Secretary Of
State
State
Treasurer
Attorney
General

9. Michael Stack

10. Carol Aichele

11. Kathleen Kane.

12. Rob McCord

13. State Court System
Justice of the Peace – mostly in rural areas…allow people to get a hearing on a minor case quickly.
Magistrates’ Court – handle minor complaints and misdemeanors in an urban setting.
Municipal Courts – Deal mainly with civil cases in excess of a $1,000 and misdemeanors (usually in larger cities)
Juvenile Courts – deal with defendants under 18 years of age.
General Trial Courts – all cases dealing with state statutes (our county court system).

14. State Court System
Appellate Courts – review case of general trial courts…no trials here just oral arguments by two or more lawyers.
State Supreme Court – acts in much the same way as the USSC…review cases heard in trial courts, reviewed by appellate courts…last in determining constitutionality of a decision at the state level.