1. North Carolina’s Government Goal 3

2. What do you know?  True or False: The NC Constitution was written before the United States Constitution. The school year used to be six months instead of 9. The governor has no veto power. Governors may serve more than 2 consecutive terms. Any amendment to the state constitution must come from the government, not the people.

3. The North Carolina Constitution  The document was first drawn up in 1776 in Halifax, North Carolina.  It has been replaced twice – once in 1868, and again in 1971.  Important changes made: -The language was simplified -The school year was extended to 9 months -Racial segregation in schools was eliminated.

4. Amendments  After 1971, three key amendments (changes) were made: 1. 1972 – the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 2. 1977 – Governors were allowed to serve 2 consecutive terms. 3. 1996 – Governors were given the right to veto legislation.

5. Purposes of the Constitution  Gives citizens political rights (like the right to vote).  Establishes the basic offices and procedures of state government.  Allows government to provide public services.  Allows government to levy taxes.  Requires respect between citizens and state government.  Gives government and citizens the right to amend the Constitution.

6. Ideas Found in the Constitution  Separation of Powers: The NC Constitution calls for three separate branches – Executive, Legislative and Judicial.  Checks and Balances: Much like our Federal branches of government, the branches of state government are able to keep each other from gaining too much power.  Popular Sovereignty: The idea that government is derived from the will of the people.

7. Parts of the Constitution  The Preamble: Acknowledges the state’s purpose in the Union and guarantees “civil, political, and religious liberties” for citizens.  Article I: The Declaration of Rights, which ensures the freedom of citizens.  Articles II – XIV: Establish procedures for government.

8. The Declaration of Rights  Changes that have been made: 1. 1868 – Amended to pledge loyalty to the Union; also grants the right of education to everyone. 2. 1971 – A non-discrimination clause is added. 3. 1996 – A section protecting the rights of victims of crimes was added.

9. How can the Constitution be Amended?  There are two methods of amending the Constitution, and both require public approval. 1. General Assembly – The General Assembly writes the amendment, votes on it, then sends it to the public for approval. 2. Convention of the People – This takes place if 2/3 of the General Assembly agrees to it. Each voting district sends a representative to the Convention to vote.

10. The Executive Branch  The Executive Branch consists of the Governor, Lt. Governor and Council of State and Cabinet.  Governors and Lt. Governors are elected to 4 year terms, with a maximum 2-term service.  The Council of State serve as advisors to the governor. There are 8 offices in the Council.

11. Council of State  Eight heads of state are elected to 4-year terms.  Each head then appoints members of his or her department.  The Council of State is independent from the Governor and Lt. Governor. This means that they all may not agree on everything.

12. The Legislative Branch  North Carolina’s Legislative branch consists of the General Assembly.  The General Assembly includes: 1. The Senate -50 districts (50 senators) 2. The House of Representatives -120 districts (120 representatives)

13. The North Carolina Senate  The head of the Senate is the Lieutenant Governor.  The Lt. Governor votes only when there is a tie.  North Carolina Senators vote on pieces of legislation that affect North Carolina residents.  Each Senator votes on behalf of his/her district.

14. Legislative Committees  Purpose: To hear ideas for legislation in a timely and efficient manner.  Committee chairs are chosen based on seniority.  Committee chairs can decide to approve legislation they are in favor of, or they can reject legislation they oppose.

15. The General Assembly  Three types of sessions: Long Session: Occurs every odd-numbered year from January until they are finished. Short Session: Occurs every even-numbered year from May until they are finished. Special Session: Can be called by the Governor, Lt. Governor or Speaker of the House and may last for an undetermined amount of time.

16. The Judicial Branch  The Court System of North Carolina CourtJurisdictionJudges’ Terms District Misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases involving smaller amounts of money 4 years Superior Original – Felony criminal cases, serious civil cases. Appellate – Appeals from District Courts 8 years Court of Appeals Appellate – Cases heard in lower state courts. 8 years NC Supreme Court Appellate – Cases heard in lower state courts (including appeals) Power of Judicial Review. 8 years

17. Court Cases  State v. Mann A lower state court convicted a slave owner (Mann) of killing one of his slaves. The State Supreme Court ruled, however, that since slaves were property, Mann was not guilty of murder.  Leandro v. North Carolina The Supreme Court agreed with families from lower-income districts that all children must have a sound education, but not equal funding.

18. Local Government  Local governments are established by charter, which sets up the basic government and gives authority to a city or town.  When an area is established as part of a city or town, it is said to be incorporated.  Municipal (city or town) charters can be changed by the General Assembly or by home rule amendments which are adopted by local governments.

19. Types of Local Government  Mayor-Council Cities are usually run under a Mayor-Council system. A mayor is elected, and consults with elected council members in order to make decisions about city government. Strong Mayor-Council Weak Mayor-Council  Council-Manager Counties are usually run under a Council- Manager system. A county council is elected, and they then hire a manager to run the business affairs of the county.

20. Statutes & Ordinances  Statute: A law passed by a legislative body. A state law.  Ordinance: A city or local law.

21. What is a special district, a township, a metropolis? Special District: A unit of government that controls a specific function of government.  Example – The School Board Township: A part of a county that has its own government (same as a city) Metropolis: An area composed of a larger city and its suburbs

22. Annexation  The process by which a city expands by taking over outlying and previously independent areas.  Controversy: Those living in annexed areas are often forced to pay new city taxes and fees, and are subject to different city laws.

23. North Carolina Revenues Type of RevenuePercent of Budget Taxes (Income, Sales, Corporate, “other”) 93% Non-Tax Revenue4% Special Funds3%

24. Taxes  Income Personal income tax: Tax on individual earnings Corporate income tax: Tax on the profits of business  Sales Tax on the sale of most goods and services  Property Tax on real estate based on its value

25. Taxes (Contd.)  Estate Tax on the estate of someone who has died  Excise Tax on the production or sale of certain goods and services  Inheritance Tax on property when it is inherited

26. Non-Tax Revenue  Fines Money paid as punishment for violations  Licenses Grant permission for a fee (ex: hunting, marriage)  Permit Grants permission to perform an action (ex: Construction)  User Fee Payment for use of a public service