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State Government
The Constitution reserves certain powers for state governments, which exercise those powers in
different ways.
Section 1 Summary
In this section you will learn about how the powers of the state and federal governments are
separate yet encourage cooperation.
Section 2 Summary
In this section you will learn about the structure and functions of state governments.
Section 3 Summary
In this section you will learn about the work of the executive branch of the state government.
through patronage, a system that favors members of the governors political party. He or she may
do this to reward people who helped a great deal during an election campaign.
The governors second role is chief legislator. This means that he or she can influence the types
of bills that the state legislature will consider for that session. The governor may submit his or her
own bills or argue in favor of certain priorities in a state of the state address to the legislature.
As the most powerful elected official in the state, the governor also serves as the head of his or
her political party. He or she oversees the state police and state militia departments and responds
quickly and effectively to state emergencies.
Other executive officials at the state level, who can be elected or appointed, include the lieutenant
governor. This person works closely with the governor and takes the governors place if he or she
leaves office. The secretary of state manages the states records and oversees elections. The
attorney general makes sure that the state handles its legal matters effectively. The state
treasurer handles all state funds and might also be responsible for collecting taxes and paying the
states bills. The state auditor, sometimes called the comptroller, makes sure that the states
financial transactions and accounts are correct. The superintendent of public instruction,
sometimes called the state commissioner of education, maintains school standards and helps
local school systems carry out their educational mission, often by distributing state funds.
Section 4 Summary
In this section you will learn how the state court system applies and enforces the laws of the
states.