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State & Local Govt
Unit 5 Batty
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fundamental Law | Laws of basic and lasting importance |
| Initiative | When voters can propose amendments or laws by getting signatures on petitions - can propose legislation |
| Police Power | Power to safeguard the people of the State |
| Referendum | When the voters of a state can approve legislation |
| Recall | Procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office before the end of their term |
| Line Item Veto | The power of the Governor to veto one measure in a spending bill |
| Pardon | When the Governor reduces a sentence of a criminal |
| Reprieve | Postpones carrying out a sentence of a criminal |
| Precedent | An example that is followed in later similar cases |
| Criminal Law | When the state brings a case against a person accused of committing a crime |
| Felony | A serious crime |
| Misdemeanor | A lesser offense |
| Civil Law | Settles disputes between parties |
| Grand Jury | Jury that brings charges against people |
| Trial Information | A formal charge filed by the prosecutor |
| Petit Jury | Trial jury that actually determines the outcome of the case |
| Bench Jury | Trial heard by judge without a jury |
| Warrant | Court order authorizing an official action |
| Preliminary Hearing | First step in major criminal proceeding, the judge decides if there is enough evidence to proceed |
| Original Jurisdiction | First court to hear a case |
| Appellate Jurisdiction | Court that can hear a case on appeal from a lower court |
| County | States are divided in to smaller regional government |
| Mayor- Council Government | Most likely used type of city government. It has a n elected mayor and an elected council |
| Strong-Mayor Government | Mayor holds more power, may veto council actions |
| Weak -Mayor Government | Mayor has less power, power is shared with council |
| Zoning | City controls what activities can be done in different areas |