1. State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions

2. State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions
Learning Objectives
Examine the history, content, and significance of the first State constitutions.
Describe the basic principles common to all State constitutions today.
Explain the procedures used to change State constitutions.
Analyze why State constitutions are in need of reform.

3. popular sovereignty limited government. fundamental laws initiative,
State and Local Governments Lesson 1 State Constitutions
Key Terms
popular sovereignty
limited government.
fundamental laws
initiative,
statutory law

4. The First State Constitutions
Not very many people have ever seen a _____________constitution, let alone read one. Join a rather exclusive club and look at your State’s document. This step should prove useful as you read this Lesson.

5. The First State Constitutions
_______________________
Principles of State Constitutions

6. The First State Constitutions
A mural hanging in the Massachusetts State House depicts the drafting of that State's constitution. Massachusetts was the first State to ________________its constitution to the voters for approval.

7. State Constitutions Today
The present-day State constitutions are the direct descendants of those earlier documents. Only 17 of the current State constitutions were written after __________, and nearly all have been amended dozens of times.

8. State Constitutions Today
Basic Principles
Protections of _______________________
Governmental Structure
Governmental Powers and Processes
Constitutional Change
Miscellaneous Provisions

9. State Constitutions Today
Texas Speaker of the House ___________________ strikes a gavel on August 5, 2013, as the Texas house passes a constitutional amendment that will increase spending for roads and bridges.

10. State Constitutions Today
State constitutions establish in detail the organization and __________________of the State government. Analyze Charts How are State constitutions similar to the U.S. Constitution?

11. Constitutional Change
Like the national Constitution, the State constitutions have been altered over time by ____________________________and by such other processes as court decisions and custom. However, those other processes have not been nearly so important at the State level as at the national level.

12. Constitutional Change
Procedures for Change
_________________ of Amendments

13. Constitutional Change
The State of Florida has more methods by which to amend its constitution than any other State. One method involves the passage of a ____________ ____________________by the Florida legislature.

14. Constitutional Change
Amendments to State constitutions are proposed in different ways; in some States, _____________ can propose amendments themselves. Analyze Charts Which method of proposing changes do most States use today?

15. The Need for Reform
Almost without exception, State constitutions are in urgent need of reform. The typical document is cluttered with unnecessary details, burdensome restrictions, and ______________________ ______________________. It also carries much repetitious, even contradictory, material. Moreover, it fails to deal with many of the pressing problems that the States and their local governments currently face.

16. The Need for Reform The Problem of ______________________
The Problem of Age

17. The Need for Reform
Most State constitutions began as brief, succinct statements with _____________________. Analyze Graphs What patterns have occurred over time regarding the length of constitutions?

18. The Need for Reform
The average State constitution is __________________ __________________ as long as the U.S. Constitution. Analyze Political Cartoons What else does the cartoon imply about comprehensive State constitutions?

19. The Need for Reform
Many State constitutions contain _______________ provisions. Analyze Information Do these examples illustrate the need for constitutional change?
Explain.

20. Quiz: The First State Constitutions
Which of the following correctly describes the concept of popular sovereignty as it applies to State governments?
A. The people of the State provide checks and balances on the State’s government.
B. The popular vote of the people protects their unalienable rights.
C. The people of the State are the source of authority for the State’s government.
D. The powers given to State government are closely limited.

21. Quiz: State Constitutions Today
Some State constitutions enhance civil liberty in ways that go beyond the United States Constitution by
A. prohibiting imprisonment for debt.
B. prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures.
C. protecting eminent domain.
D. protecting freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

22. Quiz: Constitutional Change
In every State except Delaware, which of the following correctly lists the most common steps involved in changing a State constitution?
A. The legislature calls a constitutional convention, which proposes and approves all changes.
B. The legislature proposes an amendment and then ratifies it with a two-thirds majority vote.
C. The legislature proposes an initiative, which is then sent to the voters to approve or reject.
D. The legislature proposes and approves an amendment, which goes to voters for ratification.

23. Quiz: The Need for Reform
Which of the following is a major reason why most State constitutions need to be reformed?
A. They are far too short and lack important details.
B. They are severely outdated and contain obsolete provisions.
C. They contain too many fundamental laws.
D. They have miscellaneous sections and begin with a preamble.