1. Chapter 24 Section 1: State Constitutions
Big Idea: A State Constitution is the supreme law of that State; it sets out how the State is governed

2. Vocabulary Popular Sovereignty Limited government Fundamental law
Initiative
Statutory law

3. Notes
What influenced the first State constitutions, and what were the contents and purpose of the first State constitutions?
List the basic principles and the kinds of provisions found in every State constitution:
Explain the process for State constitutional change:
Why do some States need to reform their constitutions?

4. Notes ch 24 section 2: State Legislatures
State legislatures, the lawmaking bodies of the States, are popularly elected and organizes like Congress

5. Vocabulary
Police power
Constituent power
referendum

6. Notes Describe the structure and size of State legislatures:
What is the election process for State legislators? How many terms can they serve? How are they compensated?
What are the legislative and non-legislative powers of State Legislatures?
How are State legislatures organized?
Summarize the legislative process:

7. Chapter 24 Section 3: The Governor and State Administration
Big Idea: The Governor, the chief executive of a State, is popularly elected, as are many other important State Executive officers

8. Vocabulary Item veto Clemency Pardon Commutation Reprieve Parole
recall

9. Notes Describe the office of governor: Qualifications: Selection:
Term:
Succession
Removal
compensation

10. notes
What are the governor’s many roles, powers, duties, and limitations of office?
Describe other State executive offices:
Lieutenant Governor:
Secretary of State:
State Treasurer:
Attorney General:

11. Chapter 24 Section 4: In the Courtroom
Big Idea: State Courts apply the forms of law that make up the code of conduct by which our society is governed

12. Vocabulary Common law Precedent Criminal law Felony Misdemeanor
Civil law
Jury
Information
Bench trial

13. notes What kinds of law are applied in State courts?
What are the similarities and differences between civil law and criminal law?
How does the jury system work:
Grand Jury:
The Information:
Petit Jury:
Selection of Jurors:

14. Ch 24 Section 5: Courts and their Judges
Big Idea: Judges for State Courts, who may be selected in several ways, hear cases ranging from the minor to the most serious

15. vocabulary Justice of the Peace Warrant Preliminary hearing Magistrate
Appellate jurisdiction

16. Notes Organization of courts: Justices of the Peace:
Magistrates’ Courts:
Municipal Courts:
Juvenile Courts:
General Trial Courts:
Intermediate Appellate Courts
State Supreme Court

17. notes
List and describe the 3 ways that judges may be selected: