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

Vocabulary

• Popular Sovereignty• Limited government• Fundamental law• Initiative• Statutory law

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?

Notes ch 24 section 2: State Legislatures

State legislatures, the lawmaking bodies of the States, are popularly elected and organizes like Congress

Vocabulary

• Police power• Constituent power• referendum

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:

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

Vocabulary

• Item veto• Clemency• Pardon• Commutation• Reprieve• Parole• recall

Notes

• Describe the office of governor:– Qualifications:– Selection:– Term:– Succession– Removal– compensation

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:

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

Vocabulary

• Common law• Precedent• Criminal law• Felony• Misdemeanor• Civil law• Jury• Information• Bench trial

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:

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

vocabulary

• Justice of the Peace• Warrant• Preliminary hearing• Magistrate• Appellate jurisdiction

Notes

• Organization of courts:– Justices of the Peace:– Magistrates’ Courts:– Municipal Courts:– Juvenile Courts:– General Trial Courts: – Intermediate Appellate Courts– State Supreme Court

notes

• List and describe the 3 ways that judges may be selected: