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How are laws created at the state and local level?

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How are laws created at the state and local level?

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There are different groups that can introduce a bill but whoever it comes from it has to be introduced by a legislative member. Laws are created based of needs, the book mentions, "State and local governments enact laws that specify public policy in many areas, including business regulation, controlling and regulating natural resources, protecting individual rights, and implementing health, education, and public welfare programs" (Democracy 8).

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How can citizens participate in state and local government?

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How can citizens participate in state and local government?

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Citizens participate in state government by electing their state legislature members and participating in town hall meetings. The text states, “State legislators and their staffs often look to the public for input on important issues. Residents of the state can send letters, e-mails, and social network communications and make phone calls to their representatives” (Democracy 8). In local governments citizens have a lot more input. The book puts it simply, “Participating in local government is easier than it is at other levels of government simply because of proximity. It is relatively easy for most people to observe and participate in a local school board meeting or a meeting of the county government” (Democracy 8).

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How are state and local legislative branches structured?

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How are state and local legislative branches structured?

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In regards to state legislature the textbook says, “the legislature confirms some executive appointments, has the power to impeach executive and judicial officials, and oversees the work of state executive agencies and commissions. The governor, the head of a state’s executive branch, places an important check on state legislatures’ lawmaking. In every state, the governor can veto legislation, and the legislature can override the veto if enough legislators vote to do so” (Democracy 8). It’s size varies and isn’t based off the size of the state itself. In Local Legislature the citizens have more input and opportunities for participation. The textbook says there are, “four common types of local government: counties, townships, municipalities, and special districts, plus tribal governments that enact laws for their Native American populations” (Democracy 8).