State Government and Citizenship — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
The governor is part of the judicial branch of state government.
Corrected: The governor is part of the executive branch of state government.
The corrected sentence is: "The governor is part of the executive branch of state government.". The original sentence "The governor is part of the judicial branch of state government." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
2. Fix the sentence:
State laws are made by the governor acting alone.
Corrected: State laws are made by the state legislature, not the governor alone.
The corrected sentence is: "State laws are made by the state legislature, not the governor alone.". The original sentence "State laws are made by the governor acting alone." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
3. Fix the sentence:
The judicial branch writes new laws for the state.
Corrected: The judicial branch interprets laws and decides if they follow the state constitution.
The corrected sentence is: "The judicial branch interprets laws and decides if they follow the state constitution.". The original sentence "The judicial branch writes new laws for the state." contained an error that needed to be fixed.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The three branches of state government are executive, legislative, and judicial.
The three branches of state government mirror the federal structure: executive, legislative, and judicial.
2. The head of a state's executive branch is the governor.
The governor leads the state executive branch, enforcing laws and managing state agencies.
3. State legislators are elected to make laws in the legislature.
State legislators (representatives and senators) are elected by citizens to write and pass state laws.
4. State courts are part of the judicial branch.
The judicial branch includes state courts that interpret laws and resolve legal disputes.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is the main job of the governor?
Sample answer: The governor leads the state executive branch, signs or vetoes bills, and makes sure state laws are carried out.
The governor is the chief executive of a state, responsible for implementing and enforcing state laws.
2. Why does state government have three branches instead of one?
Sample answer: Three branches share power so that no single branch becomes too powerful. Each branch checks the others.
Separation of powers and checks and balances prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.