1. Take out your notes and a plain sheet of paper numbered 1 through 5.
BELLRINGER
Take out your notes and a plain sheet of paper numbered 1 through 5.

2. Plain Sheet of Paper Open Notes Bellringer Quiz
1. What are the two houses called in the state legislature?
2. Which is easier to amend: the U.S. Constitution or the Florida Constitution?
3. Which position signs bills into law on the state level?
4. Which of the 5 ways to amend the Florida Constitution involves the citizens?
5. What term is used to describe the division of districts into equal populations?

3. The State Executive Branch

4. Office of Governor
Every state government has an Executive Branch led by a Governor (Chief Executive).

5. Office of Governor
The State Constitution identifies the qualifications for their governor.
In Florida, a governor (and Lt. Gov.) must be…
1. An American citizen
2. At least 30 years old
3. Reside in the state for at least 7 years.

6. Office of Governor
The governor is directly elected by the voters of their state.
Most governors serve four-year terms and in Florida they are elected during Midterm elections. They can only serve 2 consecutive terms – but can leave and come back.
Florida Governor
Ron DeSantis

7. Powers and Duties of the Governor 1. Carrying out state laws
2. Proposing new laws
3. Preparing the state budget
4. Power to veto bills the state legislature has passed.

8. Powers and Duties of the Governor
Some governors can veto (eliminate) only part of a bill. This is called a line-item veto. In Florida, this can only happen if it is a budget item.
Governors also have the power to grant a prisoner parole (an early release from prison) with certain restrictions.

9. Powers and Duties of the Governor Roles similar to the U.S. President:
Chief Executive of the State
Commander in Chief of the National Guard
State Party Leader
Ceremonial Leader of the State
Chief State Legislator – propose bill ideas to people in his party
In charge of State Judicial Appointments
Give a “State of the State Address”

10. Executive Departments
The Lieutenant Governor of Florida has the main responsibility of replacing the Governor if the Governor is not able to serve.
The Lt. Governor must fulfill the same qualifications as the Governor.
The Lt. Governor may serve 2 consecutive terms – but may come back after being out for at least one term of 4 years.
Florida Lieutenant Governor, Jeanette Núñez

11. Executive Departments
The governor appoints leaders of some executive departments, who advise the governor on important issues. (Secretary of State, Treasurer etc.)
Florida’s cabinet officials are elected to office. They hold equal power with the Governor when deciding issues under the Cabinet’s Control: They are:
Chief Financial Officer
Commissioner of Agriculture
Attorney General
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody

12. State Government Web Quest
1. Head to
2. Register with your school address.
3. Click on, “Teach” and on the following screen click “Webquests”
4. Scroll down to “State and Local Government” and select “States Rules!”
5. Follow the directions on the quest and fill in the provided worksheet.