https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar en-us 2018-03-09 00:08:47 UTC 2025-12-09 15:56:39 UTC hello@padlet.com rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239967078 Except for Nebraska, every state has a bicameral state legislature—one with two houses. In every case, the upper house is called the senate and has fewer members than the lower house. In many cases, the lower house is called the House of Representatives, although in some states it is referred to as the House of Delegates, State Assembly, or the Legislative Assembly.]]> 2018-03-09 00:11:13 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239967078 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239967413 The United States has four common types of local government: counties (the largest), townships, municipalities, and special districts (units that deal with a specific function), plus tribal governments that enact laws for their Native American populations.]]> 2018-03-09 00:13:30 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239967413 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968109 While it is harder to get directly involved in the activities of state legislature, every citizen has the right to vote, and can directly vote for whoever they want to support. In this way, we can play a role in the laws that pass in our states. Sometimes legislatures will hold phone calls or town hall meetings, allowing citizens to speak their mind.]]> 2018-03-09 00:18:07 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968109 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968448 It is relatively easy for most people to observe and participate in a local school board meeting or a meeting of the county government. Most local civic groups, neighborhood associations, and citizen advisory groups welcome input and participation from members of the community. In turn, these groups of community members can have a big influence. Elected leaders will also often go out to public areas and talk with citizens.]]> 2018-03-09 00:20:09 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968448 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968682 A bill can be introduced in either house, and the presiding officer sends the bill to the committee that specializes in the bill’s subject matter. The committee discusses the bill and may hold public hearings. After the committee looks at and (if they decide to) alters the bill, they send it back to the full house with their support or disapproval. If one house passes a bill, it must go through a similar process in the other.]]> 2018-03-09 00:21:50 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968682 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968796 Legislatures are empowered to pass laws for the state about almost any topic—from crimes to education to business regulation to transportation. In many states, 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]]> 2018-03-09 00:22:39 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239968796 rblankenbeker https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239969530 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. Legislatures are able to do this by writing new laws, removing old laws, or changing laws. Local legislatures have to deal with some more issues, like land use, zoning, transportation, and mass transit.]]> 2018-03-09 00:27:04 UTC https://padlet.com/rblankenbeker/zlhyrhj6y2ar/wish/239969530