Ohio Government EOC

As a framework for the state, the Ohio Constitution has similarities and differences to the federal Constitution; it was changed in 1851 to address difficulties governing the state. Differences between the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions: (CHECK ALL)

• Ohio Constitution:

  • Citizens can directly vote on laws through initiative and referendum.

  • Judges are elected.

  • Legislators are term-limited.

• U.S. Constitution:

  • Legislators vote on laws for citizens.

  • Judges are appointed.

  • Legislators do not have term limits.

In 1851 a new Ohio Constitution was written which made several changes to improve governing including:

(CHECK ALL)

• • Major executive officials and all judges were to be elected.

• • District courts were added.

• • Debt limitations were instituted.

Individuals in Ohio have a responsibility to assist state and local governments as they address relevant and often controversial problems that directly affect their communities. Identify and explain roles that Ohio’s citizens can play in helping state and local government address problems facing their communities. (CHECK ALL)

• Involvement at the state level can range from paying taxes to serving in the National Guard, running for state office, voting, and signing petitions to place issues on the ballot.

• Involvement at the local level can range from organizing civic activities to running for local office, attending meetings of local boards and commissions, joining community watch groups, and serving in a volunteer fire department.

Public policy issues are matters of discussion and debate related to the functions of government. They frequently revolve around problems the government is attempting to address and the projected consequences of public policy decisions. Examples of different levels and different branches of government addressing public policy issues include: (CHECK ALL)

• • federal executive – the Department of State, which advises the president on foreign policy and directs activities of embassies in foreign countries

• • federal legislative – the Congressional Budget Office, which provides analyses of economic and budgetary data

• • state legislative – the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, which assists in drafting legislation

• • state judicial – the Ohio Courts of Common Pleas, which apply sentencing guidelines for convicted felons

• • local legislative/executive–county commissions, which determine and grant tax abatements.

One of the basic principles of government in the U.S. is check and balances Complete the following statement to identify how the branches check each other The President ​ (a)   which checks the ​ (b)   , who ​ (c)   , which checks Congress. Congress ​ (d)   , which checks the executive branch.

• appoints judges

• U.S. Supreme Court

• can declare a law unconstitutional

• can impech the President

• approves judges

• can veto laws

How are the powers of Ohio’s state government consistent with the powers of the U.S. federal government?

• Ohio’s legislative branch has the power to pass laws

• Ohio’s legislative branch has the power to appoint all executive officials

• Ohio’s executive branch has the power to negotiate with foreign nations

• Ohio’s executive branch has the power to appoint U.S. Supreme Court justices

What is one major difference between the Ohio Constitution and the U.S. Constitution regarding the judiciary?

• Ohio judges are elected, while U.S. judges are appointed.

• Ohio judges serve for life, while U.S. judges have term limits.

• Ohio judges are appointed by the governor, while U.S. judges are elected.

• Ohio judges can veto laws, while U.S. judges cannot.

In what year was the current Ohio Constitution adopted to address governance issues?

• 1803

• 1851

• 1901

• 1951

Which of the following is a responsibility of Ohio citizens in participating in state governance?

• Serving in the National Guard

• Appointing judges

• Drafting state legislation

• Negotiating with foreign governments

What is a key feature of the Ohio Constitution that allows citizens to have a direct impact on legislation?

• Initiative and referendum

• Judicial review

• Executive orders

• Legislative veto