Missouri Constitution Review

What is one of Missouri's basic principles and what does it mean?

"...all political power is vested in, and derived from the people." This means that people are in charge of the government.

Briefly describe the major provisions of Missouri's first constitution.

1.) Gave voters the right to regulate state government 2.) Gave voters the right to alter or abolish the state constitution either in part of on full 3.) 13 articles covered: i.) powers of government ii.) powers of legislature iii.) powers of executive iv.) interpretive powers of the judicial branch 4.) Provide guidelines for education, banking, state militia, and amending the constitution

Explain how the "non-partisan court plan" works.

1.) When a vacancy occurs in a judgeship, a judicial commission recommends three names to the governor 2.) The governor appoints one of the three to fill the vacancy. The new judge assumes his duties immediately, but his appointive term expires on December 31st following the next regular election 3.) If a judge wishes to continue to hold his job, he must file his candidacy for election in November 4.) If a majority of voters choose to keep the judge, he will serve a full term (governor chooses between 3 candidates)

How long do judges of the Court of Appeals serve?

12 years

How long is one term for a Missouri Supreme Court justice?

12 years

How many departments are in the Executive Branch?

14

When was the present constitution written?

1945 (the 4th one)

How many terms may a governor serve?

2

How long is a term for a Missouri Representative?

2 years

What are the qualifications for serving in the House?

24 years old, qualified voter in the state for 2 years, resident of district for 1 year

What are the qualifications for being governor of Missouri?

30 years old, citizen of US for 15 years, resident of Missouri for 10 years

What are the qualifications for being a Missouri Senator?

30 years old, qualified voter in state for 3 years, and resident of district for 1 year.

How many Courts of Appeals are there and where are they located?

3; Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield

How long is a term for a Missouri Senator?

4 years

How many justices serve on the Missouri Supreme Court?

7

Who was Missouri's first governor?

Alexander McNair

Describe the President Pro Tem.

Appoint all committees, elected by Senate to serve on all standing committees, always from majority, ranking member of Senate.

What are the duties of the Speaker of the House?

Appointing all committee persons and chairpersons, assign new bills to House committees, and sign all official papers.

What is the difference between the Missouri State Auditor and State Treasurer?

Auditor (accountant) - establish proper methods of accounting for all public officials of the state, to audit the accounts of all state agencies and to make all other audits required by law such as of school districts. Treasurer (invests) - custodian of state funds, to determine the amount of state moneys not needed for current operating expenses and to invest that money. Investing state funds to invest the moneys of the state in the safest accounts with the highest yield possible.

When was Missouri admitted to the Union?

August 10, 1821 (24th state)

What are some of the executive duties of the governor?

Carry out laws, appoint judges and officials, fill vacancies in state and county offices.

Where do legal activities begin?

Circuit Court

What type of cases does the Supreme Court hear?

Concerning the constitutions of US or MO Original Jurisdiction

What documents helped guide the delegates in writing the constitution?

Constitution of Kentucky, US Constitution, and Bill of Rights

Explain the difference between criminal law and civil law.

Criminal - violation of law that causes injury to the state or society Civil - dispute between persons

What do Party Whips do?

Direct the support of their party members for their party's programs and objectives.

When and how often is the governor elected?

Elected every 4 years in the Presidential election year.

What type of cases does the Court of Appeals hear?

General Appellate Jurisdiction

What is the name of the Missouri legislature?

General Assembly

What is so special about a special session of the General Assembly?

Governor or 3/4 of the general assembly can call. Specific topic, no longer than 60 days. US Congress doesn't have this power.

What six offices are in the Executive Branch?

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and State Auditor.

What is the responsibility of the Judicial Branch?

Interpret the state's laws and settle controversial issues.

How is the government of Missouri similar to the United States and the other 49 states?

It has 3 branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Who is the governor of Missouri?

Jay Nixon

Where is Missouri's state capital?

Jefferson City

When and where was Missouri's first constitution written?

June 1820 in St. Louis

How is the chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court chosen and how long do they serve?

Justices decide, serve for 2 years

What does the Missouri Secretary of State do?

Keeper of the great seal of the state of Missouri, custodian of the state's records, state's chief elections officer, enforcer of business and investment laws, overseer of campaign practices, and major publishers of books and documents.

What do the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders do?

Manages floor legislative action their party is interested in. Majority sets schedule and order of business for Senate. Attend committee meetings (any or all).

Explain what an initiative is.

People write a proposal for a law. Enough signatures for a petition. Approved by people becomes law. (People want to pass) - petition

What does the Speaker Pro Tem do?

Preside over House when Speaker is gone. Nominated by majority caucus (Speaker too) and elected at beginning of session.

What are the responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor?

Preside over the Missouri Senate. Powers and duties of the governor become his if something happens to the governor.

Explain the roles of the Attorney General.

Prosecute or defend all appeals to which the state is a party. (Includes every felony criminal case which is appealed to the MO Supreme Court and courts of appeal) Represent various state officials, boards and agencies in appeals taken from their decisions and orders. Giving official opinions to the General Assembly, the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, the heads of the various state departments and the circuit or prosecuting attorneys on any question relating to their duties.

What does the Secretary of the Senate do?

Recording the days' proceedings and maintaining all records.

What are the two houses of the Missouri legislature and how many are in each?

Senate - 34 House of Representatives - 163

What are some of the legislative powers of the governor?

Send messages to legislature over suggested budget and legislative program, approve or veto bills, call special sessions of General Assembly, regulate appropriation bills.

Why are half of all senators elected every two years?

So there will always be 17 experienced senators.

How is the Missouri Executive Branch different from the federal government?

The 6 officers are elected individually and independently of each other. President appoints his cabinet.

When does the Missouri legislature meet?

The first Wednesday after the first Monday in January through May.

Explain what a referendum is.

Vote by General Assembly. Approved by people, the becomes law. (State legislature wants) - can be petition