A#6 NM Govt

Structure and Function of the U.S. Government

9-12 Benchmark 3-A: compare and analyze the structure, power and purpose of government at the local, state, tribal and national levels as set forth in their respective constitutions or governance documents:

A#6 Performance Standards

Compare and contrast the structure and powers of New Mexico’s government as expressed in the New Mexico constitution with that of the United States constitution, to include: direct democracy in the initiative, referendum and recall process; impeachment process; process of voter registration and voting; role of primary elections to nominate candidates; how a bill becomes a law; executive officers and their respective powers; New Mexico courts, appointment of judges, and election and retainment processes for judges; organization of county and municipal governments; and

Specifications:

●Understand the differences between U.S. and N.M. Constitutions: (i.e., Powers of the President vs Powers of the Governor, differences in the judicial appointment process, the role of federalism between the federal government and the state)

●Understand the use of the line-item veto power of the Governor

●Identify the appointment, election,and retention process for state judges

The government of New Mexico is the governmental structure of the state of New Mexico as established by the Constitution of New Mexico. The executive is composed of the Governor, several other statewide elected officials and the Governor's cabinet. The New Mexico Legislature consists of the House of Representatives and Senate. The judiciary is composed of the New Mexico Supreme Court and lower courts. There is also local government, consisting of counties, municipalities and special districts.

Sample Question:

Which of the following does the President of the United States and the Governor of New Mexico have in common?

A.both must be 30 years of age to hold office

B.both are elected to four-year terms*

C.both are elected in the same years

D.both must have resided in the U.S. for at least 10 years