3-3.4
Standard 3-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in the development of the new American nation.
3-3.4 Outline the current structure of state government, including the branches of government; the names of the representative bodies; and the role that cities,towns, and counties play in this system. (P, G)
It Is Essential For Students To Know:
- Students should understand the basic roles of the three branches of government in South Carolina.
- The legislative branch is the General Assembly, which makes state laws. The General Assembly is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The executive branch is lead by the governor. He is responsible for carrying out (or executing) the laws passed by the General Assembly. He signs or vetoes laws passed by the legislature.
- The judicial branch is our state’s court system. The responsibility of the courts is to see that the laws are fairly applied to all citizens. The Supreme Court of South Carolina decides whether the laws passed by the General Assembly or the actions of the governor conform to the constitution of the state of South Carolina.
- Students should know that cities, towns, and counties have local governments to serve citizens.
- Towns usually have elected mayors who are the executive and elected town councils that serve as the legislature for the town. They also have municipal (town) courts.
- Counties have county councils that make rules for the unincorporated parts of the state that are not divided into towns.
- These governments play a vital role in providing services and meeting the needs of the local citizens. Such services include protection provided by police, firemen and emergency medical teams; water, sewer and garbage services; public schools, libraries and parks; and new roads and road repairs.
- Towns and counties also regulate land use and businesses within their jurisdiction.
- Students should be able to identify the symbols for towns and cities on a map and locate and name the county and/or town in which they live.
- Students should be able to locate and name the state capital.
It Is Not Essential For Students to know:
- It is not essential for students to know how local officials are elected or the names of current elected officials.
- Although students should know the name and location of the county in which they live,
students do not need to know the names or locations of other South Carolina counties.
3-3.4 Links to Information For Teachers