State Constitutions and State Legislatures

Which type of law is every day, operational law that is made on a regular basis by state and federal legislatures?

• fundamental law

• statutory law

• civil law

• criminal law

Which type of law is long lasting, foundational law that is not made every day and cannot be easily changed?

• fundamental law

• statutory law

• civil law

• criminal law

On the hierarchy of plans of government, which type is lower on the hierarchy and usually means that government is subordinate to another government?

• constitutions

• articles

• charters

• principalities

What is it called when an idea for a law or change starts with the people and not the government ?(can be a way of proposing new laws, amendments, or asking for changes in government)

• referendum

• petition

• constituent

• initiative

For an initiative to take place, people usually start by getting as many people as possible to sign a ______ that indicates those people agree with this idea.

• referendum

• petition

• constituent

• initiative

The two ways that most state constitutions can be changed are by amendment and __________, which is a re-writing of the constitution.

• emendation

• revision

• termination

• extradition

States can amend their constitutions through a proposal by ______, but the federal / US Constitution cannot be amended this way.

• referendum

• initiative

• extradition

• interdiction

Both state and federal government constitutions are based on fundamental underlying principles such as limited government, popular sovereignty, separation of powers and _______.

• a checks and balances system

• universal suffrage (right to vote for all)

• religious preference

• abolition of slavery

When to citizens / voters are the power to reject undesirable laws, this is called ______ .

• referendum

• petition

• constituent

• initiative

______ power is when state legislatures have the power to make changes to the state's constitution.

• referendum

• petition

• constituent

• initiative