The American NationThe American Nation

Chapter 8 – Section 4State and Local Government

Government, Citizenship, and the Constitution,

1787–Present

Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

Things to understand when taking notes…Things to understand when taking notes…

• Key Terms• Powers of the state governments?

• Constitutional initiative • Compare to national governments?

• Services provided by state governments?• Powers of the local government?• Services provided by local governments?• Hints: Venn diagram, matrix chart… make

be helpful in comparing national, state, and local governments.

Chapter 8, Section 4

State and Local GovernmentsState and Local Governments

• How are state constitutions similar to and different from the national Constitution?

• What services do state governments provide?

• How do local governments affect our daily lives?

I. How State Constitutions Compare With the National Constitution

I. How State Constitutions Compare With the National Constitution

Similarities• Most state constitutions

begin with a preamble.• Most state constitutions

include a bill of rights.• State constitutions set up a

government with three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial.

• State constitutions can be amended.

Differences• Most state constitutions are

longer and more detailed. • In many states, citizens can

amend the constitution. In a process known as the constitutional initiative, people can gather signatures on a petition to amend the state constitution. If enough signatures are gathered, the petition goes to the legislature or to the voters.

Chapter 8, Section 4

II. Examples of Services Provided by StatesII. Examples of Services Provided by States

• Maintain law and order• Enforce criminal law• Protect property• Regulate business• Supervise public education• Provide public health and welfare programs• Build and maintain the state’s infrastructure, or system of

roads, bridges, and tunnels• Operate state parks and forests• Regulate use of state-owned land• License professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, and

teachers

Chapter 8, Section 4

III. The Work of Local GovernmentsIII. The Work of Local Governments

• Local Government—government on the county, parish, city, town, village, and district level; get their powers from the state

• Build and run local schools• Hire and support firefighters, police, and garbage collectors• Provide sewers and water• Maintain local roads • Maintain local hospitals• Conduct safety inspections of buildings and restaurants• May own and run water and sewage treatment plants• Provide libraries, parks, and other cultural and recreational

facilities• May support airports, sports arenas, and civic centers

Chapter 8, Section 4

Section 4 AssessmentSection 4 Assessment

Most state constitutions are similar to the national Constitution in that theya) give the states the ability to deal with national issues.b) are fairly short.c) can only be amended by Congress. d) set up three branches of government.

One service that county and city governments do NOT provide isa) granting drivers’ licenses.b) building and running schools.c) supporting firefighters.d) conducting safety inspections of restaurants.

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Chapter 8, Section 4

Section 4 AssessmentSection 4 Assessment

Most state constitutions are similar to the national Constitution in that theya) give the states the ability to deal with national issues.b) are fairly short.c) can only be amended by Congress. d) set up three branches of government.

One service that county and city governments do NOT provide isa) granting drivers’ licenses.b) building and running schools.c) supporting firefighters.d) conducting safety inspections of restaurants.

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Chapter 8, Section 4

Chapter 8, Section 5

Rights and Responsibilities of CitizensRights and Responsibilities of Citizens

• What makes a person a citizen of the United States?

• How can Americans develop democratic values?

• What are the responsibilities of citizenship?

Chapter 8, Section 5

What Is a Citizen?What Is a Citizen?

To be a United States citizen:• You were born in the United States or at least one parent is a

citizen.• You were naturalized, that is, you have completed the official legal

process for becoming a citizen.• Many immigrants—people who enter another country to settle

there—become naturalized citizens.• First, immigrants may have permission to stay in the country

as resident aliens, or noncitizens living in the country.• You were 18 or younger when your parents were naturalized.

A citizen is a person who owes loyalty to a particular nation and is entitled to all its rights and protections.

Chapter 8, Section 5

Democratic ValuesDemocratic Values

Basic Values Such as honesty and compassion

Patriotism A feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country; inspires Americans to serve their nation

Respect For ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and other members of our community

Responsibility Both personal and public responsibility; responsibility for ourselves and the consequences of our actions

Responsibility Physical and moral courage; doing the right thing even when it is unpopular, difficult, or dangerous

Civic Virtue—a willingness to work for the good of the nation or community even at great sacrifice.

Chapter 8, Section 5

Responsibilities of CitizenshipResponsibilities of Citizenship

Voting Citizens must study the candidates and issues in order to make responsible choices.

Obeying the laws We give the government the power to make laws for us, so we have a duty to obey the laws.

Defending the nation

Citizens must help defend the nation against threats to its peace or security, such as by serving in the military.

Serving the community

Many citizens offer their time and talents to improve their communities and help others.

Being informed Citizens cannot protect their rights unless they know what they are and stay informed.

Serving on a jury Citizens must take time out from their work and personal lives for jury duty, serving on a jury when called.

Chapter 8, Section 5

Section 5 AssessmentSection 5 Assessment

One democratic value is moral courage, which meansa) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.c) respecting the property of others.d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.

Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will

a) register for jury duty at age 18.b) enlist in the military without being called.c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.

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Chapter 8, Section 5

Section 5 AssessmentSection 5 Assessment

One democratic value is moral courage, which meansa) doing the right thing even when it is unpopular.b) showing a feeling of love and devotion toward one’s country.c) respecting the property of others.d) serving the nation even at great risk to oneself.

Because the Bill of Rights guarantees a right to trial by jury, responsible citizens will

a) register for jury duty at age 18.b) enlist in the military without being called.c) take jury duty seriously and serve when called.d) study the candidates before voting for a jury.

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