State Government and Citizenship — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Which branch of state government includes the governor?
A) Legislative
B) Executive
C) Judicial
D) Municipal
The governor heads the executive branch of state government.
2. What happens when a governor vetoes a bill?
A) The bill becomes law immediately
B) The bill is rejected unless the legislature overrides the veto
C) The bill goes to the Supreme Court
D) The bill is sent to voters for approval
A veto rejects the bill, but the legislature can override it with a sufficient majority vote.
3. Which is a responsibility of the state legislature?
A) Enforcing state laws
B) Interpreting the constitution
C) Writing and passing new laws
D) Commanding the state police
The legislature's primary responsibility is to write, debate, and pass new state laws.
4. Why do state governments have a constitution?
A) To collect taxes from citizens
B) To set the basic rules and rights for the state
C) To choose judges for federal courts
D) To run elections for the president
A state constitution establishes the structure of state government and the rights guaranteed to citizens.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. The legislative branch is also called the state legislature.
The lawmaking body of state government is called the state legislature.
2. A governor can serve a limited number of terms in most states.
Most states limit the number of terms a governor can serve to prevent the concentration of power.
3. The judicial branch has the power of judicial review, which means reviewing laws.
Judicial review is the power of courts to determine if laws comply with the constitution.
4. State government provides services like public schools, roads, and hospitals.
State governments fund and operate essential public services including schools, roads, and healthcare facilities.
5. Checks and balances prevent one branch from having too much power.
Checks and balances is a system where each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches.