SUMMARY. 1. The United States today is made up of 50 states

1. The United States today is made up of 50 states.

2. The Tenth Amendment is the basis for the reserved powers of the states.

3. Every state constitution is based on popular sovereignty, limited government, separa­tion of powers, and checks and balances. Most state constitutions include a pream­ble, a bill of rights, and a description of the basic organization of that state's govern­ment. The operation of local governments in the state and procedures for state elections also appear in state constitutions.

4. Every state constitution can be amended. There are two steps to this process–propos­al and ratification.

5. Every state except Nebraska has a bicameral legislature. The two houses usually are known as the senate and the house of representatives. Because of Supreme Court rulings supporting the idea of one person,

one vote, representation in both houses now is based on population.

6. The most important power of state legisla­tures is the power to make laws. They also have executive and judicial powers.

7. In all 50 states, the governor is the head of the executive branch. All governors are elected by the people, and most serve a four year term. As chief executive, the governor’s main responsibility is to carry out state laws. Governors also are given certain legislative and judicial powers.

8. In addition to a governor, most state executive branches include a cabinet and a state bureaucracy. Both groups help the governor attend to state business.

9. The judicial branch of most state governments includes four levels of courts: lower courts, general trial courts, appellate courts and the state supreme court.