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The Structure and Purpose of State Government

The Structure and Purpose of State Government. Supreme Court of California in San Francisco. The State Capitol in Sacramento . The legislative branch. Primary duties: Pass laws on important matters The power to tax and spend money Basic structure:

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The Structure and Purpose of State Government

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  1. The Structure and Purpose of State Government Supreme Court of California in San Francisco The State Capitol in Sacramento

  2. The legislative branch • Primary duties: • Pass laws on important matters • The power to tax and spend money • Basic structure: • Bicameral w/ Senate and House of Representatives • Legislative sessions: • Most meet once a year for several months

  3. Legislative branch cont. John Perez House Speaker • Organization of Legislatures: • Lower house around 100 members, Senate around 40 members • Speaker of the House is picked by the majority party • Lieutenant governor presides over Senate • The Course of Legislation: • Member of the state legislature introduces bill • Bill is sent to a committee, which will hold a hearing • Must pass through both houses with a majority • Last stop is the governor Gavin Newsom Lieutenant Governor

  4. The Road to legislature • Elected from districts of equal population • Formal and Informal Qualifications: • Resident from district they wish to represent • Must be 25 to serve as senator, 21 to serve in lower house • Most are lawyers, work part time and underpaid • Terms of Office: • Senators serve 4 year terms • Lower house members serve 2 year terms

  5. The Executive branch • Historically given very little power • Qualifications: 30 yrs old, resident for five years, American citizen, served in state and local gov’t, ½ of them are lawyers • Election: win a nomination from their political party, win the popular vote in the general election • Salary ranges from $65,000 to $200,000 Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park

  6. Role of the governor • Proposes and signs legislation, proposes a budget, appoints top officials • Plays are large role in the political party he/she belongs to • Commander in chief of California National Guard • Negotiates grants from the national government • Works cooperatively with neighboring states • Works with national and foreign businesses • Ability to grant pardons, shorten sentences, release prisoners on parole

  7. Judicial branch • Interpret state and local laws, decide most cases of murder, assault, reckless driving • Types of cases: • Civil Case: between two or more individuals or organizations • Criminal Case: state brings charges against a citizen for violating a law • Types of courts: • Minor courts: justice, small claims, juvenile, domestic relations, traffic • General Trial Court • Appellate Court • Supreme Court

  8. State government policy: Regulating Business • Set insurance rates, interest rates for loans, administer licensing exams • Protect consumers: false advertising, landlord tenant regulations, interest rates on credit cards, estimates for automobile repairs • Protect workers: regulations for minors, workers and unemployment compensation

  9. State government policy cont. • Environment: environmental impact statements, permits for water/air pollution • Protect life and property: laws to deal w/ crimes, organize state police force, sentencing and criminal correction • Education: contribute to public school funds, competency requirements, minimum requirements for graduation • Public Health: licensing, regulate sale of drugs, require vaccinations, provide a wide range of health services • Public Welfare: grants given to states to administer welfare programs

  10. Quick facts about governor jerry brown • Born in S.F., graduate of UCB and Yale Law School • 76 years old • Served as governor for two terms 1975-1983 • Served as mayor of Oakland 1999-2007 • Reelected for a third term and was inaugurated Jan 3 2011(no term limits prior to 1990) • Running for a 4th term this year • High approval rating 6 out of 10 Californians support him • Currently lives in a downtown loft in Sacramento with his wife (former CEO of GAP)

  11. Governor Brown interview Jan 2013 • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-nevd6gt3I • Answer the following questions in your notebook: • What are Governor Brown’s priorities while he is in office? From his point of view, in what ways has he helped California? • What points do the panelists make about Brown’s policies?

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