Part A: Directions: Write a T if the statement is True, or a F is the statement is False. If the statement is False, explain why
. a) The states in the United States are individual countries.
b) The Constitution gives a specific list of powers to the federal government.
c) The Constitution gives a specific list of powers to the states.
d) “Concurrent” powers are the powers that only states have.
e) The Constitution lists some specific things states can’t do.
f) States do not have their own constitutions or laws.
g) The Constitution doesn’t say anything about local governments.
h) Local governments have their own power to make decisions about anything.
i) Laws at a lower level of government are always superior to laws at a higher level.
j) The federal government can influence states by attaching rules to federal money.
Part B: Yes or No? The fictional state of Pendiana has been busy passing laws. Which laws does Pendiana have the right to pass?
Directions: Read the laws developed by the fictional State of Pendiana below. Identify which laws the State of Pendiana does NOT have the right to pass. Write Y for Yes if Pendiana does have the right to pass the law, or write N for No if Pendiana does not have the right to pass the law.
LAWS OF THE STATE OF PENDIANA
___ a. Weights and Measures. The standards of measure in the state of Pendiana shall be: Length: hands
Weight: stones
Volume: hogsheads
___ b. Vehicles. All vehicles owned by citizens of Pendiana must be registered with the state. Registration must be renewed each year.
___ c. International Relations.
War. By a 3/4 vote, the legislature of the State of Pendiana may declare war on any sovereign nation of the world.
Treaties. The Governor of Pendiana may negotiate treaties with other nations.
___ d. Education. The State of Pendiana shall provide a free education to every child.
___ e. Taxes. Tax rates for the State of Pendiana shall be:
Income Tax: 5%
Property Tax: 2.5%
Sales Tax: 3%
In addition, there shall be a tax of 10% on all goods manufactured in any state except Pendiana.
___ f. Local Governments. Every city in the State of Pendiana must provide its own police force inside city limits. __
___ g. Courts. For each county of the state, there shall be a superior court. One judge shall be appointed for each 30,000 residents.
___ h. Immigration. No citizen of a foreign country may live or work in the state without passing the Pendiana Citizenship Knowledge Test.
___ i. Cities & Towns. Each city and town in the state shall adopt a long-range general plan for growth and development.
___ j. Animal Shelters. Each county shall maintain a shelter for lost or stray animals.
___ k. International Commerce. A 20% charge will be added to all products manufactured outside the United States of America and sold in the state of Pendiana.
Part C: State or Local? Some laws are intended to apply to everyone in an entire state, while other laws make more sense applied to a smaller, local area. Can you tell which is which? Read each law below and decide whether it sounds like a state law or a local ordinance (law), rule, or policy.
Write S if you think it is a State policy, or L if you think it is a Local policy.
___ a) No one living in the area may breed livestock of any kind.
___ b) It is unlawful to turn water service on or off without approval.
___ c) Every child between ages 6 and 16 must attend a school or be homeschooled.
___ d) Temporary structures such as circus tents may not be put up without approval.
___ e) A person between ages 16 and 18 must have a parent's permission in order to get married.
___ f) It is against the law to change or destroy any sidewalks without first receiving approval.
___ g) At any time between sunset and sunrise, vehicles on the road must have their headlights on.
___ h) All sidewalks, buildings, fences, signs, and other surfaces must be kept free from graffiti.
___ i) Elementary school begins at 8:30 a.m. and the middle and high school begins at 7:30 a.m.
___ j) It is unlawful to take, injure, or harass any bird upon its nest, except in agriculture.
