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State
Government
by
Monty Rainey, Junto Society
Each
of the 50 United States uses a Constitutional Republic form of
government. That is to say that each state government, like the
federal government, has it’s own governing constitution, though
the state constitution may not conflict with the national
Constitution. Each state’s constitution may differ somewhat due
to the unique history, geography, needs and philosophy of the
state.
In
keeping with the national example of constitutional separation of
powers, the state governing bodies are set up into three areas:
·
The "Legislative"
branch, which is a bicameral (two chamber) system, normally
consisting of a House and Senate. In certain states, the members
of the House may have differing titles, but the duties are the
same. Each state is divided into a predetermined number of
legislative districts, with representatives from each of those
districts holding seats at the state’s capital. The district
lines are drawn in accordance with census data to approximate
equal representation among the populace and ensure the "one
man, one vote" principle. The legislative branch is commonly
known as the General Assembly. Members of the General Assembly
normally work in committees, where legislation is introduced,
debated, amended, etc., before going to the legislation for a
final vote. In addition to passing legislation, the General
assembly is responsible for appropriating state tax dollars. The
General Assembly establishes policy and oversees the operation of
the Executive branch. In addition, the Senate affirms
appointments made by the Governor to certain offices as specified
by state law.
·
The "Executive"
branch, which is the office of the Governor and administration.
The Governor is elected in each state, as well as the Lieutenant
Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer and Attorney
General. In addition, other positions may be either elected or
appointed, such as Agriculture Commissioner, and some cases may
be non-existent in some states, such as the position of Railroad
Commissioner.
·
The "Judicial"
branch, which is the state’s Supreme Court. The number of
justices on a state’s Supreme Court may vary, but the number is
always an odd number to facilitate majority rule votes. Each
state’s Supreme Court can overturn any legislation they find
runs contrary to the state’s, or the federal constitution.
Legislators have no power over issues once they enter the
judicial process.
Along
with each state’s three main branches of government, there is
an extensive "administrative"
arm as well. The administrative arm of state government is
comprised of various agencies or departments. While state
agencies do not pass law, they often can and do make regulations,
which may carry the weight of the law.
You
will find further information on the formation of state
governments in the Articles
of Confederation, which was drafted by the founding
fathers and used to set up the original thirteen state
governments prior to the drafting of the Constitution,
which divided the power between the federal and state
governments setting up our current system of federalism.
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