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:
State senators and representatives are appointed by the governor.
Corrected: State senators and representatives are elected by the voters.
State legislators are elected by the people, not appointed by the governor. Voters in each district choose who will represent them in the legislature.
2. Fix the sentence:
The lieutenant governor has no role in state government.
Corrected: The lieutenant governor helps the governor and takes over if the governor cannot serve.
The lieutenant governor is second in command of the executive branch. If the governor becomes unable to serve, the lieutenant governor steps in to lead the state.
3. Fix the sentence:
State courts can only hear cases about federal laws.
Corrected: State courts hear cases about state laws and the state constitution.
State courts deal with state laws and the state constitution, not federal laws. Federal courts handle cases involving federal law.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A state senator represents the people who live in a certain district.
Each state senator represents the citizens living in a specific geographic area called a district. The people in that district vote for the senator who will speak for them.
2. The lieutenant governor is second in command in the executive branch.
The lieutenant governor ranks just below the governor in the executive branch and is ready to take over leadership if the governor cannot serve.
3. State agencies help run public programs like highways and libraries.
State agencies manage a wide range of public services. Highways and libraries are two everyday examples of programs that state agencies help run using tax money.
4. When a court decides a law breaks the constitution, the law is struck down.
When a court finds that a law violates the constitution, it strikes the law down, meaning the law can no longer be enforced. This is how the judicial branch checks the legislature.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is the difference between a state senator and a state representative?
Sample answer: Both serve in the legislature, but they represent different districts. Senators usually serve longer terms than representatives.
Both work in the state legislature, but senators typically serve longer terms and represent larger districts than representatives. This gives each chamber a slightly different role.
2. How can citizens let their state lawmakers know what they think about a new law?
Sample answer: Citizens can write letters, make phone calls, send emails, or attend public hearings to share their opinions with lawmakers.
In a democracy, citizens have several ways to influence lawmakers, including writing letters, calling, emailing, or attending public hearings to share their views on proposed laws.