Comparative State & Local Government
Module 1: 171 Points

Objectives

1. Understand the rankings of the states, the politics of immigration, and policy responsibilities of states and communities.

2. Understand constitutional government in the states, constitutional change, and the politics of state initiatives
Ch. 1: Politics in States and Communities pp. 3-34, 94 Points

A. Short Answers: 76 Points

1. In terms of population, what are the five largest states? The three smallest states? How does Alabama rank? 7 pts.

2. What five states are expected to grow the most between 2010-2030? What five states are expected to grow the least? How does Alabama rank? 7 pts.

3. Which five states have the highest per capita income? What are the three lowest states? How does Alabama rank? 6 pts.

4. Which five states have the highest percentage of college graduates? The three lowest states? How does Alabama rank? 6 pts.

5. What percent of the population is Hispanic? Is the Hispanic population larger than the African American population? Which five states have the largest Hispanic
population? How does Alabama rank? 5 pts.

6. How large is the Asian American population? Which state has the largest Asian American population? In which state are they a majority of the population? 3 pts.

7. How many native Americans live in the U.S.? How many tribes are recognized? What are the four largest tribes? Which six states have the largest native American
populations? 6 pts.

8. In terms of ideology, what are the five most liberal states? The five most conservative states? 6 pts.

9. Based on public opinion, what are the five most religious states? The five least religious states? 6 pts.

10. Which branch of government is responsible for governing Washington D.C.? What was the significance of the 23rd amendment to the people of Washington D.C.? How does
Home Rule affect the people of Washington D.C.? 5 pts.

11. Discuss the political role of Puerto Rico. When how did the U.S. acquire Puerto Rico? When did it become a commonwealth? Do most Puerto Ricans want statehood or
independence? What advantages do Puerto Ricans have as U.S. citizens? 7 pts.

12. What are U.S. territories? Name the four most important. What are their advantages as U.S. citizens? 6 pts.

13. How many African Americans live in the U.S.? What percent of the population is African American? What percent of the black population live in the South? Which
five states have the largest black population? How does Alabama rank? 6 pts.
B. Short Essays: 18 Points

1. Write an essay on illegal immigration in the U.S. What is a political refugee? Illegal alien? How many illegal immigrants live in the U.S.? What were two important
provisions of the 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Act? Which level of government has exclusive power over immigration policy? Which five states have the highest proportion of
illegal immigrants? Which four states have the highest percentage of legal immigrants? 10 pts.

2. Write an essay on the six most important expenditures of state government and the six most important expenditures of local government. P. 26. 8 points.

Ch. 2 Democracy and Constitutionalism in the States, pp. 35-68, 77 Points

A. Short Answers: 35 Points

1. When did Alabama become a state? How many state constitutions has it had? How is the 1901 unique? How many states have had only one constitution? How long is the
U.S. Constitution? The average state constitution? (pp. 38- 9). 7 pts.

2. Which five states have the highest death rates from firearms? Which three states have the lowest death rates? What four states have the most restrictive gun laws?
Which four states have the least restrictive gun laws? 5 pts.

3. What are two ways that state constitutions limit state debt? How do states get around this limitation? 5 pts.

4. How have state initiatives changed the law in the following areas? 1. California and marijuana possession? Sale and manufacture of drugs? 2. Physician-assisted
suicide in Oregon and Washington state? 4. Same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, and California? 5. school vouchers in California and Michigan? 6. Affirmative
action in California? 8 pts.

5. What is the significance of Kelo v. City of New London (2005) and eminent domain? 4 pts.

6. Can states impose term limits on state legislators? What are arguments for and against term limits for state legislators? Can states impose term limits on
Congressmen? Why or why not? 6 pts.

B. Identify: 7 Points

1. a constitution 2. a bill of rights 3. homestead tax exemption 4. earmarked taxes
5. representative democracy 6. direct democracy 7. Proposition 13

C. Short Essays: 35 Points

1. Based on the “Up Close” feature on page 43, write a short essay on state constitutions and the right to bear arms. 8 pts.

2. Write a short essay on four different methods used to change state constitutions. How is the constitution changed in Alabama? P. 47-51. 10 pts.

3. Write a short essay on the initiative, referendum, and recall. P. 52 9 pts.

4. Based on the table on p. 56, write a short essay on recent state propositions that have been approved by the voters. Name five propositions that failed to gain
approval. 8 pts.

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