1.

Why do you think the state constitution is longer than

the federal constitution?
The state and federal constitutions both have their differences and their
likeness. Physically, the state constitution is longer than the federal
constitution. The state constitution is longer because its written in more
detail to give the states more power. They did this for the anti-federalists
so that they can have a strong state government.
In amendment 10, the federal constitution says that any powers that are
not given to the federal government, are given to the states. These powers
are called reserved powers. These are powers such as giving licenses,
gambling laws, legalization, legal documents, hunting and fishing licenses,
and education. The federal government also has powers that they are in
charge of. The state constitution uses this for power by taking any of the
powers that they federal government doesnt have, and using them to their
advantage.
In article 4 of the federal constitution, it says that documents in one state
are good in another state, the rights of citizens are guaranteed, congress
has the power to admit new states, and the U.S. government swears to
protect the states. The State Constitution uses this for more power,
because when the federal government decides to protect them, and give
them one less thing to worry about, the state can acquire more powers
other than what the federal government already guarantees to them.
The set-up of the federal and state government are similar, however. Each
set-up has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Their
legislative branches are either composed of 2 houses, or bicameral; the
House of Representatives and the senate. Each branch of each government
has checks and balances in place. This gives the states power by allowing
them to have an organized version of what the federal government has. It
gives them power because the 3 branches allow them to accomplish more
along with having more of a decision when it comes to laws and
responsibilities.
Conclusion

2. Compare and contrast the state legislative branch and

the federal legislative branch.
The state and federal legislative branches both have many similarities and
differences. For example, one is larger and one is smaller, but they discuss
similar topics. The set-up of these two government branches are also
similar. Both of the branches are bi-cameral, having a house of
representatives and a senate. They also have many other similarities and
differences other than these.
Their terms of service differ in several ways. In the PA General Assembly,
the House has a term of 2 years and the senate has a term of 4 years. The
U.S. Congress House has a term of 8 years and the senate has a term of 6
years.
Their qualifications also differ. To be a representative in the PA General
Assembly, you must be 21 years old, live in the state you want to represent
for 4 years and live in that district for 1 year, and also be a legal U.S.
citizen. To be a representative in the U.S. Congress you must be 25 years
old, you must live in the state you want to represent, and you must be a
U.S. citizen for at least 7 years. To be a senate in the PA General
Assembly, you must be 25 years old, live in the state you want to represent
for 4 years and live in that district for 1 year, and also be a legal U.S.
citizen. To be a senate in the U.S. Congress, you must be 30 years old, you
must live in the state you want to represent, and you must be a U.S. citizen
for at least 9 years.
In the PA General Assembly, the house representative for our district, #38,
is Bill Kortz. All together in the PA General Assembly House of
Representatives, there are 203 representatives. The U.S. House
representative for our district, #14, is Mike Doyle. All together in the U.S.
House of Representatvies, there are 435 representatives. In the PA General
Assmebly, the senate for our district, #45, is Jim Brewster. All together in
the PA General Assembly senate, there are 50 people. The U.S. House
representatives for our district, #42, are Bob Casey and Pat Toomey. All
together in the U.S. senate, there are 100 people.

The powers of the federal and state legislative branch also differ. The PA
General Assembly has the following powers: Make laws, tax, over-ride a
veto, borrow money, approve the budget, and impeach and remove. The
U.S. Congress has all the same powers as the PA General Assembly, but
also has the following powers: Provide army and navy, approve treaties,
declare war, coin money, and regulate trade.
The U.S. Congress and the PA General Assembly both use checks and
balances for the same reason; to make sure not one branch gets too much
power. They use checks and balances to keep all of the powers equal for
each part of the house and senate.
Conclusion

3. Compare and contrast the state executive and the

federal executive branch.
The state and federal executive branches are similar and different in many
different ways. They vary in the terms, qualifications, election process,
powers, departments and agencies, and checks and balances. The set-up
of the executive branch in federal government is the President and the Vice
President. The set-up of the executive branch in the state executive branch
is the governor.
The terms and qualifications of the state and federal executive branch differ
in a few ways. To be a governor in the state executive branch you must 30
years old, live in the state you want to be a governor in, and be a U.S.
citizen. A governor serves a maximum of 2 terms or 4 years. To be a
president in the federal executive branch you must be 35 years old, you
must have lived in the U.S. for 14 years, and you must be a national born
U.S. citizen. A president serves 2 terms and a maximum of 8 years.
IV. Election Process- presidency- governor
V. Powers- same
VI. Departments and Agencies- same
VII. Checks and Balances

I.

II.
III.
IV.

Statement- they have to make sure that the people have a vote/say in
the government- it is a good thing because it limits governments
powers (thesis- 3 ways to do this are)
Initiative-define- explain how it gives people power- explain how it
limits governments power
Referendum- same
Recall- same