State Executive ICivis Lesson Plan

Teacher’s GuideState Executive Branch Time Needed: One to Two Class Learning Objectives. Students will be able to: Periods  Explain the functions of departments or agencies in the Materials Needed: state executive branch Student worksheets  Describe the roles of top state officials Overhead projections (optional)  Explain how government agencies create, amend and Access to internet for state research enforce policies in local & state governments  Identify executive departments and agencies in the Copy Instructions: student’s own state Reading (3 pages; class set)  Describe how the executive branch engages with the Activity (2 pages; class set) checks and balance system of state government My State Activity (1 page, class set) STEP BY STEP  ANTICIPATE by asking students to name some element of their state government, having them guess in which branch of the government it may belong. (It’s likely they will mention a majority of executive branch elements, without knowing it.)  DISTRIBUTE the “State Executive Branch” reading pages to each student.  READ through the first two pages with the class, discussing each section as needed. If you know your state minimum wage, discuss in context of the table.  READ the introduction to the “Spotlight on State Election Agencies” with the class. You may project the national map at this time to facilitate discussion.  ASK students to use the map to complete the Spotlight Activity. You may complete as a class, or ask them to complete individually then review together.  DISTRIBUTE the “State Executive Branch” activity pages to each student.  ASK students to complete the worksheet page.  REVIEW the answers to the activities on the worksheet.  OPTIONAL Distribute the My State Worksheet and direct students to the internet, guiding them to your state’s government website. Alternatively, you can pull up the state site and project for the class. Support the students as they search for the names and party affiliations of the governor and six additional members of the state executive branch. Then ask the students to address the agency-based questions below. Remind them that the government unit may be called an agency, department, commission, or something else!  CLOSE by asking students to name the executive branch agency or department that they are most likely to come into contact with in the next year and why. Please note that there is a lesson that focuses completely on the job of the governor, which can found elsewhere in this unit. © 2016 iCivics, Inc. You may copy, distribute, or transmit this work for noncommercial purposes only. This copyright notice or a legally valid equivalent such as “© 2016 iCivics Inc.” shall be included in all such copies, distributions or transmittals. All other rights reserved. Find this lesson and more at www.iCivics.org. divisions. and the collection of departments are modeled after the presidential cabinet and supporting agencies.the more likely you are to come into direct contact with the work they do on a day-to-day basis. Reading . Cabinet Organizer We aren’t talking about the new shelves you put in your locker. When you look at a state chart. © 2016 iCivics. The Capitol Crew Although no two states are alike. When the states set up their structure.just to name a few. councils. Within a department are the agencies..State Executive Branch Name: Not so lonely at the top. and commissions to help execute the state laws. Each has a staff to handle the day to day demands of the office. you end up with a fully staffed state Simplified version of a state executive executive branch. treasurer.. This means that the state cabinet can (and often does) consist of officials from opposing parties. Departments usually serve as the highest level. agencies. The role of governor is similar to that of the president. The roles and responsibilities for these high level officials are usually stated in the state constitution or later statutes (laws). But the governor doesn’t run the state all alone. All of the state cabinet offices are a part of a larger organizational structure. organizational chart Sound familiar? It should! Any time you look at state government. There is also a good chance your state has additional boards. and various activities. So. You may already know that the governor is the elected chief executive officer of a state government. you are looking at a scaled down model of the federal government. These people also help regulate and license state businesses. superintendent of schools. there are 13 executive offices that are found in most states. Some have simple organizational structures. and secretary of state .Side A . Governors also depend on a large network of departments. When you add these departments to the governor’s office. But each state reserves the right to organize the government any way they’d like. while others have very complex and complicated systems. they looked to the federal example. Another distinction between the federal and state governments is that many state officials are elected. rather than appointed by the chief executive. There’s the governor. the lower the agency or division is . and offices that actually work directly in the state. and are headed by a secretary (although they may have different titles). and authorities that are part of an existing department or report directly to the governor. Inc. attorney general. or bureaucracy. professionals. no two state executive branches look exactly the same. agencies can help inform legislators by giving testimony during hearings. or many other things. because the legislature called for them. It may also establish new boards. Other times.25/hour legislation. you will need to visit your state DMV.50/hour this responsibility with other state departments or even delegate these tasks to the counties within the state. The state legislature has to cover a lot of ground creating and amending state laws. as time goes by. the legislative branch makes it very clear what the agency is supposed to do. (The actual name varies from state to state.Side B . For example. $10. In addition to carrying out existing laws and regulations. others share $11. or other authorities to focus on even more detailed areas within an agency. but states can require higher minimum wages through $7.00/hour Department of Labor: Do you know what the minimum wage is for your $8. When the legislative branch passes a law about a certain subject. and it takes experts in diverse areas to make it all work. Some states have standalone agencies. or rules.) $7. Regulating Close to Home Here are two examples of executive agencies that you may interact with sooner than later… Department of Motor Vehicles: In order to get road ready. They can’t be expected to be experts in everything. Florida limits 14.25/hour These agencies provide services related to vehicle registration and licensing drivers. a law may give the executive agency the power to adopt its own set of rules. Each department and agency is specialized so it can focus on a specific area. This is where the executive departments come in. like teacher certification or traffic safety or medical providers. How it all Works The executive branch ‘executes’ by carrying out laws passed by the legislative branch. which are often called regulations. The state departments of labor also regulate minimum ages and create special restrictions for minors in the workplace. Reading .22/hour state? The federal government has established a national minimum wage for all workers. Sometimes. The legislative branch may give these executive agencies the power to adopt regulations. © 2016 iCivics. The legislature doesn’t just tell executive departments what to do—it creates them! Most state executive departments were established by a state law. councils. Inc. services the agency must provide.and 15-year-olds to working no more than 15 hours a week when school is in session. data the agency must track.State Executive Branch Name: Executing Expertise The state is responsible for many different things. and. They are the part of government closest to the issues. the executive department that deals with that subject is the one that will carry out the law. Laws may include new or changed rules the agency must enforce. the state legislature may decide to add more. so they have a lot of valuable information. that are needed to carry out the state laws. These regulations have the same force as state laws. Inc. what are the requirements in YOUR state? _____________________________ How is it enforced? ____________________________________________________ *As of June 2016 © 2016 iCivics. and how that ballot needs to be filled in. to ballot access. These may be called boards of elections or election commissions. Spotlight . Some states allow voters to present alternative forms of identification (like a current bill with your name and address). and that campaign finance practices and communications are ethical. the state's agency in charge of elections must carry out that law and enforce it. The majority of states. Strict states only allow unidentified voters to cast a provisional ballot. Each state enforces these requirements in different ways. future voter. These votes are not counted until the voter’s identity and ability to vote is verified. There are many laws and regulations out there that impact when you can vote. So. The majority of states now enforce some kind of voter ID. places election responsibilities with the office of the secretary of state. 38 total.Side A . Other states have separate agencies focused on administering elections within the state. to compliance with federal voting laws and regulations. Once a state legislature passes a voter ID law. like a driver’s license or military ID card. They make sure that rules are followed. More than a third of the states also have commissions that focus on the ethics of elections. where you cast your ballot. Non-strict states do not prevent you from voting at the polls. Many call for a photo ID. One that has received a lot of press recently focuses on voter identification requirements.from registration requirements.State Executive Branch Name: Each state has an agency or department that oversees the election process . © 2016 iCivics. The decision by states to require various levels of voter identification is a hotly debated topic. List steps you B. Read each scenario and answer the question that follows. which has no voter ID law. your state. Read through these common arguments for and against voter ID laws and label them as PRO or CON a photo ID. How would you summarize the concerns and arguments of those who support voter ID laws? 2. You are in charge of the election agency in State You are in charge of the election agency in State A. which has a strict voter ID law. Spotlight . Executing the Election. Inc.Side B . How would you summarize the concerns and arguments of those who oppose voter ID laws? B. List steps you could take to make sure as many eligible voters could take to reduce the risk of voter fraud in as possible are able to cast a ballot. Pro/Con.State Executive Branch Name: A. Then place a star* next to what you believe to be the strongest PRO and CON _____ _____ _____ % _____ % _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ 1. ________________________________________________________________________________ B. keep state records. Lieutenant Governor ___ 3. True or False Based on what you've learned about the state executive branch. Secretary of State Commissioner of Education c. state elections. education. Usually. Lesson Activities . banker.State Executive Branch Name: A. and may succeed the governor if they the state. Insurance Commissioner b. and can oversee can no longer serve. It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Public Services Commissioner 5. ___ 1. It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 4. a. Attorney General a.) 1. List three qualifications you think a person should have in order to get the job. I am often the second highest executive ___ 2. Every state has a governor and attorney general in the executive branch. I am responsible for overseeing and revenue. _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. I usually keep track of the state’s ___ 4. Select one of the positions listed above and write it here: ____________________________________ Think about the kind of expertise this position would require. the closer these positions work with the public. Treasurer or Controller c.Side A . It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. Lieutenant Governor b. decide whether you think each statement is true or false (circle your choice) and explain why. Labor Secretary a. Chief of Staff c. the higher up you go in the state executive branch. and I act as the chief coordinating the K-12 schools in the state. State agencies carry out both state and federal laws and regulations. etc. Superintendent of Schools or b. Secretary of State b. 1. (Think about previous work experience. Treasurer c. finances. Inc. It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ © 2016 iCivics. a. Whose Job Is It? Select the role that best fits the job descriptions. Executive branches look the same in each and every state. I usually oversee the administration of office. 12. 14. Sort these statements into support for splitting the state ticket or for keeping them as one ticket. The state executive and legislative branches are constantly interacting with each other. 9.State Executive Branch Name: C. This is a great way to bring more checks and balances to the state executive branch. Or Not To Split? 26 states elect their governor and lieutenant governor as a single ticket. (Place an X in the correct column) Then challenge yourself to come up with an argument for both sides on your own. To Split. Governor from the other party takes over? 13. Making Connections. D. Draw and label at least three ways the branches interact. 17 states have completely separate elections for these positions. If people elect a governor that belongs to one party. 11. what happens when the Lt. There is no way officials from different parties could work together! Could you imagine the president and vice president from 10.Side B . People should elect who is best for each position. © 2016 iCivics. Lesson Activities . Inc. not elect one official and get the other one thrown in. ______________________ The Executive Branch Governor Name: Republican / Democrat / Other Agency: _____________________ Agency: _____________________ Agency: _____________________ Title:________________________ Title:________________________ Title:________________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Republican / Democrat / Other Republican / Democrat / Other Republican / Democrat / Other Agency: _____________________ Agency: _____________________ Agency: _____________________ Title:________________________ Title:________________________ Title:________________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Name:_______________________ Republican / Democrat / Other Republican / Democrat / Other Republican / Democrat / Other Where would you get your drivers license or photo id issued? Agency or Department: __________________________________________________________ List two additional things this agency does: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Where would you get information about voting in an upcoming election (registering. My State Worksheet .State Executive Branch Name: Use the information you find on your state government site.) Agency or Department: __________________________________________________________ What services does this agency provide online? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Where would you get information on the threat of infectious diseases. and the information you receive from your teacher to complete this data sheet. etc. like Ebola or West Nile Virus? Agency or Department: __________________________________________________________ What health issue seems to be of highest concern in your state right now? How is the state addressing it? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ © 2016 iCivics. Inc. polling places. Read each scenario and answer the question that follows. which has a strict voter ID law. which has no voter ID law. Then place a star* next to what you believe to be the strongest PRO and CON CON PRO CON % PRO % PRO PRO PRO CON PRO CON 1. Executing the Election. Answers will vary Answers will vary © 2016 iCivics.State Executive Branch ** TEACHER GUIDE ** A.prevent fraud. getting ID is not a hardship 2. How would you summarize the concerns and arguments of those who support voter ID laws? Answers will vary.Side B .disadvantages large voting groups. How would you summarize the concerns and arguments of those who oppose voter ID laws? Answers will vary. List steps you could take to make sure as many eligible voters as could take to reduce the risk of voter fraud in possible are able to cast a ballot. List steps you B. The decision by states to require various levels of voter identification is a hotly debated topic. Spotlight . getting ID is a hardship B. Inc. You are in charge of the election agency in State You are in charge of the election agency in State A. Read through these common arguments for and against voter ID laws and label them as PRO or CON a photo ID. your state. Pro/Con. (Think about previous work experience.the agencies and sub-departments are more It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ involved in the day-to-day work of the government and are closest to _______________________________________________________________________________ the people © 2016 iCivics. Answers will vary. education. a. the higher up you go in the state executive branch. Treasurer or Controller c. Answers will vary. a. and can oversee if they can no longer serve.) 1.State Executive Branch ** TEACHER GUIDE ** A.________________________________________________________________________________ B. Secretary of State Commissioner of Education c. banker. _B_ 1. state elections. Executive branches look the same in each and every state. and may succeed the governor the state. Attorney General a. _______________________________________________________________________________ Answers will vary 2. 1.the state election agencies are tasked with making sure the elections are in compliance with federal laws _______________________________________________________________________________ 4. Lieutenant Governor b. etc. Public Services Commissioner 5. decide whether you think each statement is true or false (circle your choice) and explain why. I am responsible for overseeing and revenue. and I act as the chief coordinating the K-12 schools in the state. the closer these positions work with the public. Lesson Activities . I am often the second highest _A_ 2. Lieutenant Governor _C_ 3. Whose Job Is It? Select the role that best fits the job descriptions.Side A . keep state records. State agencies carry out both state and federal laws and regulations.each state has the power to create their own It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ structure and organization _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. True or False Based on what you've learned about the state executive branch. Answers will vary. finances. Every state has a governor and attorney general in the executive branch. I usually keep track of the state’s _B_ 4.these positions are found in each state It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Chief of Staff c. Select one of the positions listed above and write it here: ____________________________________ Think about the kind of expertise this position would require. Labor Secretary a. I usually oversee the administration of executive office. Inc. Usually. Treasurer c. Secretary of State b. _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Superintendent of Schools or b. Insurance Commissioner b. It’s true / false because: __________________________________________________________ Answers will vary. List three qualifications you think a person should have in order to get the job. 17 states have completely separate elections for these positions. Making Connections. Answers will vary © 2016 iCivics. This is a great way to bring more checks and balances to the state executive branch. Inc. Draw and label at least three ways the branches interact.State Executive Branch ** TEACHER GUIDE ** C. There is no way officials from different parties could work together! Could you imagine the president and vice president from 10. 12. Answers will vary D. Answers will vary 14. not elect one official and get the other one thrown in. People should elect who is best for each position. Governor from the other party takes over? 13. 9. The state executive and legislative branches are constantly interacting with each other. . If people elect a governor that belongs to one party.Side B . Lesson Activities . 11. (Place an X in the correct column) Then challenge yourself to come up with an argument for both sides on your own. Or Not To Split? 26 states elect their governor and lieutenant governor as a single ticket. Sort these statements into support for splitting the state ticket or for keeping them as one ticket. To Split. what happens when the Lt. Map Projection . Inc.State Executive Branch Name: *As of June 2016 © 2016 iCivics.