VA state governemnt

what roles does the governor fill

- chief of state - chief legislator - chief administrator - party chief - commander in chief

How does the Virginia General Assembly make laws?

- introduce bill -work in committee -debate the bill - vote on the bill - send bill to governor to sign into law

How do the due process protections ensure justice?

-The 5th amendment prohibits the NATIONAL GOVERNMENT from acting in an unfair matter. - the 14th amendment prohibits STATE and LOCAL GOVERNMENTS from acting in an unfair matter

Procedure for civil cases

-The plaintiff files a complaint to recover damages or receive compensation -Cases can be heard by a judge or a jury -Cases can be appealed

what do cabinet secretaries and departments, agencies, commissions, and regulatory boards do

-administer laws -enforce laws -regulate aspects of business and the economy -provide services

Procedure for criminal cases

1. Accused person may be arrested if the police have probable cause. 2. The accused may be sent to jail or released on bail. 3. Arraignment - probable cause is reviewed, an attorney is appointed for the defendant, and a plea is entered. 4. A court date is set and a trial is conducted. 5. A guilty verdict may be appealed.

What amendments is due process outlines

5th and 14th

Criminal law

A law that defines crimes against the public order.

Civil law

A law that governs relationships between individuals and defines their legal rights.

Federalism

A system in which power is divided between the national and state governments

primary responsibilities of national government

Conducts foreign policy, regulates commerce, and provides for the common defense

How do localities enact ordinances?

County: board of supervisors is responsible for passing laws (ordinances) for the county City/Town: council is the local legislative body in independent cities and incorporated towns Individuals have the greatest influence on the decisions made by local government officials

Cities

Each Virginia city has a city council and a mayor

what is a county?

Each virginia county has an elected board of supervisors, which exercises legislative powers, enacting ordinances, and adopting an annual budget Each virginia county and city has an elected or appointed school board, which oversees the operation of the k-12 public schools in the county or city

what are towns

Each virginia incorporated town has an elected council, which uses legislative powers, enacting ordinances and adopting an annual budget. A mayor is elected either by the voters or the town council members.

Legislative Branch of Virginia

General Assembly, (House of delegates + Virginia Senate) meets annually for a fixednumber of days

Courts

In every virginia locality, courts resolve judicial disputes. Judges of the following courts hear cases in each locality: District courts circuit courts juvenile and domestic relations courts small claims courts

Circuit court

Judge, with or without jury; original jurisdiction for felony criminal cases and for certain civil cases; appellate jurisdiction from district courts

General district court, and juvenile and domestic relations district court

Judge/no jury original jurisdiction for misdemeanors in civil cases involving lower dollar amounts and original jurisdiction in juvenile and family cases

Court of Appeals of Virginia

Judges, no jury; appellate jurisdiction to review decisions of circuit courts

Virginia Supreme Court

Justices, no jury; appellate jurisdiction; limited original jurisdiction

primary responsibilities of state government

Promotes public health, safety, and welfare

Virginia executive branch

The Governor of Virginia exercises the formal powers granted by the Virginia Constitution lieutenant governer and attorney general

constitutional officers

The Virginia Constitution directs that each county and city will elect a sheriff, a clerk of the circuit court, a commonwealth's attorney, a commissioner of the revenue, and a treasurer. Each office operates separately from the local government.

the form of government of the commonweath of virginia established by:

Virginia constitution

Virginia Court System

Virginia, like each of the other 49 states, has its own separate court system whose organization and jurisdiction are derived from Virginia's constitution and state laws.

primary issues in legislation at the state level

education, public health, environment, state budget, revenue

Manager

hired by elected legislative branch to oversee the operations of local government

primary responsibilities of virginia general assembly

members are selected to make laws. Elected officials write laws and take action in response to problems or issues. Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation

how does the constitution of US outline the division of sharing powers between national and state governments

national government is supreme, powers not given to national government are reserved to the states, the constitution denies power to national and state governments

Virginia Judicial Branch

power is exercised by a court system with these 4 levels of court: District, Circuit, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court

Local governments may be required to formulate, adopt, and implement public policies in response to international issues and events such as:

public health concerns in the event of a pandemic Public safety in the event of an act of terrorism Economic development policies in response to the emerging global economy Policies to protect the government (wildlife protection)

the governor of virginia exercises the formal powers granted by

the Virginia constitution