State Government and Citizenship — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. How does the legislature check the power of the governor?
A) By appointing new judges
B) By overriding a veto with enough votes
C) By closing state parks
D) By collecting taxes from citizens
If the governor vetoes a bill, the legislature can override that veto with a large enough vote. This power prevents the governor from single-handedly blocking laws the people want.
2. Who has the main responsibility for creating the state budget?
A) State judges
B) The governor proposes it and the legislature approves it
C) The federal government
D) City mayors
Creating the state budget is a shared responsibility. The governor drafts the spending plan, but the legislature must review, change, and approve it before any money can be spent.
3. What does separation of powers mean in state government?
A) Each branch handles a different job so no branch has all the power
B) The governor can do everything without help
C) Only judges can make new laws
D) Citizens are separated into groups by their jobs
Separation of powers divides government work among three branches so that no single branch controls everything. The executive enforces laws, the legislature makes laws, and the judiciary interprets laws.
4. Which is an example of the judicial branch checking the legislative branch?
A) The governor signing a bill
B) A court ruling that a new law is unconstitutional
C) A senator giving a speech
D) Citizens voting in an election
When a court strikes down a law as unconstitutional, it stops the legislature from enforcing a rule that violates citizens' rights. This is a key example of checks and balances.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Separation of powers keeps any one branch from becoming too powerful.
Separation of powers splits government duties among three branches. This design keeps any one branch from gaining too much control over the others.
2. The state budget is funded mainly by taxes collected from citizens.
Taxes are the state's main source of income. Citizens pay taxes such as income tax and sales tax, and the state uses that revenue to fund its budget.
3. The legislature can override a governor's veto if enough members vote to do so.
Overriding a veto requires a supermajority vote in the legislature. This power ensures the governor cannot block a law that most lawmakers and citizens support.
4. A law that conflicts with the state constitution can be declared unconstitutional.
When judges find that a law breaks the rules set out in the state constitution, they declare it unconstitutional and the law can no longer be enforced.
5. The governor may sign or reject bills sent by the legislature.
After the legislature passes a bill, the governor decides whether to sign it into law or reject it with a veto. This is one of the governor's most important powers.