Civics & Economics
In this unit we will learn about America's constitutional government at the state level. You will learn about how states relate to the federal government, the structure and powers of Virginia's government, how laws are made at the state level, and how the executive branch is designed to carry out the laws that are passed.
State Level of Government
Federalism: The Power of 50....well, sort of. It's more like the leftovers.
The Constitution of the United States of America establishes a federal form of government in which the national government is supreme. That's right the national government is the SUPREME government, so it's more like the power of 1 over the powers of the 50. The states still have some powers. These powers are called reserved powers. The term comes straight from the language of the Constitution:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people."
~ 10th Amendment
Legislative Branch: The Power to Make Laws
Virginia's legislative branch is called the General Assembly. Like Congress, it is a bicameral legislature. The two houses of Virginia are called the Virginia Senate and the House of Delegates.
You can do a lot with leftovers.
Executive Branch: The Power to Carry Out the Laws
Virginia's State Government
So, if the United States Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the federal government, what document outlines the structure and powers of the state government? Wait for it....just a second longer....come on, you can do it....you're almost there....okay, I'll tell you, the respective states constitution. That's right every state has to have a constitution. In Virginia it's the Virginia Constitution. (That's a bit creative don't you think?)
Acutally Virginia led the way following the Declaration of Independence. We were the first colony to step into statehood when we ratified our first state constitution. Since then we have had several major revisions, but the structure of our government has pretty much remained the same.
State powers are refered to in the United States Constitution as reserved powers. Although these powers are reserved, they still get a lot done. State powers are used to address problems and issues at the state level including education, the environment, public health, the state's budget, and the state's income (taxes).
Education
Where does the U.S. Constitution discuss education? Can't remember? That's because it doesn't, but it is in Virginia's Constitution:
"The General Assembly shall provide for a system of free public elementary and secondary schools for all children of school age throughout the Commonwealth, and shall seek to ensure, that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained."
Article VIII, Section I, Virginia Constitution
Environment
The environment in Virginia is protected by the Virginia Constitution as well. This is called conservation.
"To the end that people have clean air, pure water, and the use for enjoyment and recreation of adequate public lands, waters, and other natural resources, it shall be the policy of the Commonwealth to preserve, develop, and utilize its natural resources, its public lands, and its historical sites and buildings. Further, it shall be the Commonwealth's policy to protect its atmosphere, its lands, and waters from pollution, impairment, or destruction, for the benefit, enjoyment, and general welfare of the people of the Commonwealth."
Article XI, Section I, Virginia Constitution
The Constitution of Virginia also protects our natural oyster beds and your right to hunt, fish, and harvest game.
Public Health
Although it is not specifically listed in the Constitution of Virginia, the General Assembly passes laws related to the public health of Virginia's citizenry. For some, public health is implied in their understanding of "the common good." Others debate the governments role in public health, especially with the passing of federal laws such as President Obama's Affordable Healthcare Act.
Income and Budget
In order for the state government to provide services to its citizens it needs an income. The state government also needs an income to pay the representatives that work on our behalf.
The government's income comes from the money it receives from taxes. Therefore, the General Assembly has the power to raise existing taxes and levy new taxes. When the General Assembly levies a tax it just means that they are creating new taxes.
The governor proposes the states budget every two years. It is the General Assembly's job to approve the budget. This is an example of the principle of checks and balances at the state level of government.
The laws governing the budget and taxes are outlined in the Constitution of Virginia.
Other Problems and Issues
Interested in what other problems and issues the state of Virginia makes laws about? The best place to see what the General Assembly is working on is to visit www.virginiageneralassembly.gov.
The infographic below was retireved from the Virginia Public Access Progect. It shows the subject of bills being introduced to the General Assembly. The larger the font, the greater number of bills that have been introduced. What are the top three issues that the General Assembly is currently working on?
Source: www.vpap.org/issues
Once a law is passed by the General Assembly it is up to the governor and the exeuctive branch to make sure that the laws are carried out. The governor of Virginia leads a bureaucracy of Cabinet departments, regulatory groups, agencies, and commissions to see that the services ofgovernment are provided and laws are followed.
Governor
The governor of Virginia serves a term of four years. The governor oversees the executive branch of government including the Cabinet departments, regulatory groups, agencies, and commissions.
Click the governor's image to learn more about the roles of the governor.
Image Credits. Above: from PowerPoint "Governor Bob McDonnell, A Commonwealth of Opportunity," retrieved 12/2013. Right: Creative Commons from Wikipedia by Gage Skidmore, retrieved 12/2013. Far right, Creative Commons from Wikipedia by Leonard Woody, retrieved 12/2013.
71st Governor of Virginia The Executive Mansion
Governor Bob McDonnell
Lieutenant Governor
The lieutenant governor is elected at the same time as the governor. Lieutenant governor is the state level equivalent to the federal government's vice president.
The lieutenant governor serves a term of four years with no restriction on re-election.
Click the lieutenant governor's image to the right for more information on the office of lieutenant governor.
Attorney General
The attorney general is elected at the same time as the governor. The attorney general leads the Commonwealth's law firm.
The attorney general's law firm represents the Commonwealth in all legal matters.
Click the attorney general's image to the right for more information on the office of attorney general.
40th Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli
Judicial Branch: The Power to Interpret the Law
Image Credits. Governor visits Kellum Seafood, August 14, 2013. Governor's Office photo, retrieved 12/2013, photo by Michaele White
Image Credits. Governor hosts first annual Governor's Cyber Challenge at George Mason University. Governor's Office photo, retrieved 12/2013.
"The judicial power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a Supreme Court and in such other courts of original or appellate jurisdiction subordinate to the Supreme Court as the General Assembly may from time to time establish. Trial courts of general jurisdiction, appellate courts, and such other courts as shall be so designated by the General Assembly shall be known as courts of record."
Article VI, Section 1