Civics Reading Questions Packet:

Unit Five on State and Local Governments

Name: ______

Unit 5 Reading Questions:

Section #1: Federalism

  1. What is the definition of federalism?
  1. Name 3 powers of the national government.
  1. Name 3 powers of the state government.
  1. Name 3 powers that the national government and state government share.
  1. What powers are denied to the government and saved for the people?
  1. Name 3 limits on the power of the national government.
  1. Name 3 limits on the power of the state government.
  1. Name 3 limits on both the national and state governments.
  1. According to the Supremacy clause, rank the following items in order from least powerful to most powerful: Federal Laws, US Constitution, State Laws, State Constitution
  1. How has the power relationship between the national government and state governments changed over time?

Section #2: The State Constitution

  1. What do all state constitutions have written into them to ensure a balance of power?
  1. Why do state constitutions include their own Bill of Rights?
  1. What document can a state Constitution not clash with?
  1. What is the two step process for amending the state constitution?
  2. ______by ______
  3. ______by ______

Section #3: The State Legislature

  1. The Virginia legislature is called the ______. It is ______(2 houses). The two houses are:
  2. What are the main responsibilities of the General Assembly?
  3. How often does the General Assembly meet? ______
  4. How long would they meet if it was 2015?______
  5. How long will they meet in 2016?______
  6. What governmental principle is shown by the Governor being able to call the General Assembly into special session?

Section #3 continued: The State Executive

  1. Who is this chief executive of Virginia? What is his title? What is his name?
  1. How long is the Virginia governor’s term in office?
  1. The three qualifications to be governor in Virginia are:
  2. Two important duties of the governor are:
  3. What are two legislative powers of the governor?
  1. The governor is commander-in-chief of the ______.
  2. Terry McAuliffeis the party leader of what political party in Virginia?
  1. What are three powers that the governor has that are similar to powers that the president has?

Section #4: Local Government Basics

  1. What are the three types of local governments in Virginia?
  1. What are the two main jobs of Virginia county governments?
  1. Who governs the counties of Virginia?
  2. What are two powers of the Board of Supervisors?
  1. Name 2 differences between a town and city.
  1. Look at the two main parts of city/town governments and describe what they do by completing the chart below:

Part of City/Town Government / Main Job
City/Town Council
City/Town Manager

Section #4 Continued - Local Government Actions Due to International Issues and Events:

  1. Why is it important to plan ahead for emergencies or disasters?
  1. In the section titled “Economic Development,” what does the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development do?
  1. Who does the Loudoun County health department work closely with during potential chemical, biological, and radiation attacks?
  1. What is the purpose of the Loudoun County Department of Building Development? Refer to the section titled “Natural, Environmental, & Cultural Resources”.

Section #5: Other Members of Local Government

  1. Describe the four Constitutional officers of local governments and what they do in the chart below.

Constitutional Officer / Main Job
  1. Describe the two appointed officials of local governments and what they do in the chart below.

Appointed Officers / Main Job
  1. Based on what you know about towns, cities, and counties, which localities would have a school board and superintendent?