Ch 11 - State And Local Gov Flashcards
The oldest written constitution still in force
Massachusetts
Constitution
A written plan which sets go a fork if government and establishes its basic principles
Which state had voters ratify its constitution
Massachusetts
Preamble
A short introductory statement telling why the constitution was written
Bill of rights
Provisions listing the basic rights of the people
Description of state government
Provisions for the three separate branches of state government
Description of local government
Provisions for local subdivisions if state government
General provisions
Provisions dealing with voting qualifications and elections, taxes and appropriation if funds, education, etc.
Provisions for change
Provisions dealing with the process by which the constitution may be amended or revised
Revision
Major change in a state constitution
Amendment
Minor change in a state constitution
4 steps of a constitutional convention
- Voters approve calling of convention
- Voters eject delegates to convention
- Delegates revise old constitution or propose a new one
- The voters ratify or reject the new or revised constitution
Initiative
The process by which voters propose an amendment
Referendum
An election in which the voters of a state approve or reject an amendment
Plurality
More votes then any other candidate receives
Impeachment
When the legislature removes the governor
Recall
When the voters remove the governor
Pardon
Free an offender from legal responsibility for a crime
Reprieve
Temporary postponement of a sentence
Commute
To reduce a sentence
Parole
Free a prisoner before his entire term has been served.
Ex officio
By virtue if office or position
Item veto
Power to veto only part of a bill
Executive orders
Orders that dictate how a law should be carried out
