NC State Constitution

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2 NC State Constitution State & Federal Government Similarities Preamble, State Powers, Gov Responsibilities, Framework of Gov, Provision for Local Gov, Amendment Process Constitutional Principles Popular Sovereignty Separation of Power, Amendment (flexibility) NC Constitution Constitution of 1776 created a bicameral legislature, executive headed by governor and a Council of State, and a court system. Constitution of 1868 US Congress required all former Confederate States to rewrite Constitution. All men 21 years or older could vote, regardless of race. Constitution of 1971 Freedom of Speech and equal protection added.

3 NC State Constitution - Preamble

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5 NC Executive Branch Lieutenant Governor Term Length 4 Years Qualifications 30 years old, live in US 5 years, live in NC 2 years Duties - President of the Senate, serves on various boards & commissions. Executive Departments Cabinet 10 members appointed by the governor Council of State 8 members elected by the people of NC. Operate independently of the Governor.

6 NC General Assembly - Legislative Branch LEGISLATIVE BRANCH: General Assembly Make the Law Statute a law passed by the state government. House of Representatives Senate Members: Term Length: 2 years 2 years Qualifications: 21 years old 25 years old district 1 year 2 years in NC district 1 year Legislative Sessions odd # years = long session January to June. even # years = short session begins in May and lasts 6 weeks Governor may also call special sessions. Law Making Process very similar to US Congress Override veto only requires 60% of both houses.

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9 NC Judicial Branch - Interpret the Law District Court civil cases less than $10,000; misdemeanors, domestic, juveniles judges elected 4 year terms Superior Court civil cases more than $10,000; felonies, appeals of misdemeanors judges elected 8 year terms Court of Appeals 3 judges per case; appeals except the death penalty judges elected 8 year terms Supreme Court 7 justices; appeals first appeal of death penalty judges elected 8 year terms Landmark Court Decisions Bayard v. Singleton (1787) family property seized by state law for being a loyalist. Appeals court ruled law unconstitutional (judicial review state gov) Leandro Case (1997) ruled that the state constitution does not require equal funding of education.

10 GOVERNMENT FINANCES State Budget Process Fiscal Year (July 1 June 30) Revenue - Money the state government has to operate. (Taxes, fees) Expenditures - Money the state government will spend on programs Balanced Budget Expenditures = Revenue Governor prepares budget for two fiscal years. General Assembly must pass the budget. Propose ways to raise revenue and cut expenditures. Often they do not pass budget by July 1.

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12 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Types of Local Government County & Municipality Municipality a city, town, or village with an organized government and the authority to make and enforce laws. (State General Assembly grants charter) Ordinance a law passed by a local government. Zoning designating different areas of land for different uses. residential housing commercial business (retail, etc ) industrial factories Annexation incorporating land into a municipality.

13 COUNTY GOVERNMENT County Commissioners voters elect commissioners (3-11) Chairperson may be elected or chosen by commissioners. Iredell - 5 person (top 2 with most votes 4 years, others get 2 years) County Commissioners are responsible for the following Hire administrators for education, elections, mental health, public health, social services, alcoholic beverage control, and soil and water conservation. County Manager Hired by the County Manager. Responsible for budget. LEA Local Education Authority Voters elect a school board to carry out state education policy. ` / _ISSBVD_w_Schools.pdf

14 MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT Municipality Government Each municipality elects a governing board. (City Council, Town Council, Board of Commissioners, Board of Alderman) Elections (At Large, by Ward, or Mixture) Pass Ordinances municipal policies, approve budgets, set municipal tax rates, regulate what people can do in the municipality. Mayor-Council Plan Usually elected, not always. In this system the mayor serves as the executive. Carries out policies, budget, etc Council-Manager Plan Governing board hires a professional called a manager, to carry out policies

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16 GOVERNMENT FINANCES Expenditures utilities (water, sewage) public safety public schools public health mental health social services Local Government Budget Revenues user Fees (water, sewage) property tax intergovernmental revenue