WORK PROJECT

The Constitution of your State is the legal foundation for your State government. Ask the leader of your study group to help you get a copy of it from your Secretary of State. When you receive it learn— a. When it was adopted.

b. Whether it has been amended.

Compare it with the Constitution of the United States for ways in which the two documents are alike and different. Make a large chart, something like the one below, and fill it out as completely as you can. Two sets of comments are given you on the chart below to indicate how to make your chart. After you have finished the work, discuss your comments with your study group and see what conclusions you can reach.

Work Project: A Study of Our National and State Constitutions

3. Three kinds of courts found in most of our States

are

(1)----.
(2) --
(3)-

4. The two houses of the State legislature are usually called

(1).

Choose the word or words which make the correct ending for each of the following sentences:

1. Each of our 48 States has a

(1) constitution.

(2) Federal legislature.

(3) one-house lawmaking body.

2. The general plan of each State government is outlined in

(1) the National Constitution.

(2) the national laws.

(3) the State constitution.

3. The legislative branch of the State government(1) explains the laws.

(2) makes the laws.

(3) tries cases in the courts.

4. Bills may be introduced in the State legislature by— (1) the President of the United States.

(2) the governor.

(3) members of the State legislature.

5. The executive branch of the State government

(1) hears court cases.

(2) enforces the laws of the State.

(3) makes laws for the State.

THE LAWMAKING BRANCH OF YOUR OWN STATE GOVERNMENT

Discuss in your group the lawmaking branch of your own State government. Perhaps you will want to learn more about it from your State constitution. See how much of the following chart you can complete.

Work Project: The Lawmaking Branch of the State Government

Select the word or phrase that will make each of the following statements read correctly:

1. The State legislature usually consists of— one house.

two houses.

2. The system of courts in the State is called— the State judiciary.

the State executive.

3. The government in each of the 48 States has

Some more words which the student should understand:

adjusted-arranged in a way which satisfies everybody.
application—the act of testing a general principle by putting it
into practice.
basis-foundation.

bribery-the act of giving or receiving something of value for
the purpose of influencing official action in an improper way.
conflicts-is contrary to, or in opposition to.

efficiency-the way to get the best results with the least cost of time, money, or effort.

eligible-fit to be chosen.
enacted-made into law.

guilt the fact of having broken a law.

hearings-public meetings which are held to discuss bills.

involved included, as a necessary part.

labor commissioner an executive officer having charge of matters concerning wage earners.

municipal-having to do with a city.

pardon-excuse or forgive, relieve from further punishment. peculiar special, especially belonging to.

petit jury-a group of persons, usually 12, chosen to hear and decide cases in court.

populous-having many people.

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF YOUR OWN STATE GOVERNMENT

Discuss in your group the executive branch of your own State government. If you wish, use your State constitution to help you in completing the following chart.

Work Project: The Executive Branch of the State Government