\Web Quest

The Voice of the People

Directions: ​Read each question carefully; determine what is being asked, then select one or more of
the websites listed below the question to determine the answer. If you choose, you my use additional
sites or browsers for research.

PREAMBLE

1. Read the preamble to the Missouri Constitution. Why does Missouri’s constitution
exist? ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/preamble.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Missouri

Make a better government for Missouri

ARTICLE I BILL OF
RIGHTS

2. Paraphrase the following excerpt in your own words “…that all political power is vested in and derived
from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.”
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM

People vest and derived into the political power and are only founded by their will. Their purpose
is for good only.

3. Which words or statements in Article I, Section 2, explain the purpose of the Missouri
Constitution? ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Missouri

The constitution is intended to promote the general welfare of the people, all have the
fight to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4. Summarize your religious freedoms in Missouri, according to Article I,
Sections 2&6. ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a01005.htm

Some religious freedoms that we have in Missouri are natural rights,

equality under the law, and freedom to practice any religion.

5. John Doe is not a member of any church or religion and wants to run for governor. When he went to
declare himself a candidate, the clerk denied his request because of his non-religious beliefs. Were his
constitutional rights denied? ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM

Yes his rights were denied because he didn’t have a religion. He has the freedom to practice any
religion he wants to.

6. Amendment I of the U.S. Constitution states, “Congress shall make no law respecting the
establishment, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press, or the right of the people to peaceably assemble…”. Does Article I, Sections 7, 8, and 9 of the
Missouri Constitution give you the same fundamental rights in Missouri? Using specifics, explain your
answer. ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/t01.htm

Yes because in section 7 it doesn’t favor a religion by giving money. Section 8 gives you the
right to speak, write, publish, etc. no matter the religion. Section 9 gives them the right to
peacefully petition with any other religion they have.

7. Article I, Sections 10, 11, 12 and 13 address due process of law, imprisonment for debt, habeas
corpus and ex post facto. Explain how these rights help guarantee due process of law.
http://ballotpedia.org/Article_I,_Missouri_Constitution
http://www.sos.mo.gov/pubs/missouri_constitution

Nobody is guilty until proven otherwise and they shall not be deprived of life, liberty, or
property. They can’t be imprisoned because of debt or unpaid fines. Their privilege of the
writ of habeas corpus shall never be suspended.

8. List the rights of the accused in criminal proceedings as stated in Article I, Sections 15-21, of

the Missouri ​Constitution. Are these rights found in the U.S. Constitution? If so, where?
Unreasonable Search and Seizure Prohibited–Contents and Basis of Warrants
Grand Juries–Composition–Jurisdiction to Convene–Powers
Indictments and Informations in Criminal Cases–Exceptions
Rights of Accused in Criminal Prosecutions
Depositions in Felony Cases
Self-Incrimination and Double Jeopardy
Self-Incrimination and Double Jeopardy
Excessive Bail and Fines–Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Yes they are
​http://ballotpedia.org/Article_I,_Missouri_Constitution
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/t01.htm

9. Article I, Sections 27 explains eminent domain. Define this term and explain under what
conditions state or local government may “take your property”?
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/T01.HTM
https://www.mobar.org/uploadedFiles/Home/Publications/Legal_Resources/Brochures_a
nd_Booklets /eminent%20domain
Eminent domain is the power of local, state or federal government agencies to take
private property for public use so long as the government pays just compensation.

ARTICLE II DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS
10. Compare distribution of powers as stated in the Missouri Constitution, with separation of
powers found within the U.S. Constitution. Are they the same? Why is it a necessary part of
limited government within Missouri? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Article_II,_Missouri_Constitution
http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=1085

The three powers are legislative, executive, and judicial. They all have different jobs to
do for the government. It is necessary because the work gets done without stepping on
anyone’s toes.

ARTICLE III LEGISLATIVE

DEPARTMENT

11. We refer to congress when we refer to the federal lawmaking body. What name is given to
Missouri’s law making branch? ​General Assembly
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm

12. What are term limits? Predict how they might impact the lawmaking process. ​Term limits
are legal restrictions that limit the number of terms an officeholder can serve. It could
impact the lawmaking process a little harder because what if your making a law but your
term runs out.
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_State_Legislative_Term_Limits,_Amendment_12_(1992​)
(​http://www.house.mo.gov/researchdocs/?file=termlim.htm

13. Explain how a bicameral General Assembly helps insure that good laws are made.
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_General_Assembly
http://system.uslegal.com/state-legislatures/missouri-general-assembly/
http://courses.missouristate.edu/dennishickey/mogov.htm)
The General Assembly is a bicameral, or two-house, legislature.
14. How is a regular session of the Missouri General Assembly different from a special
session? Are they in session at the same time? What is the purpose of each session?

http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_General_Assembly
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm

15. Compare the number of members in the Missouri House of Representatives to the Senate.
Explain why the numbers are not the same.
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_General_Assembly
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Senate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_House_of_Representatives
Congress consists of 100 senators and 435 voting members of the House of Representatives.
When crafting the legislative branch, the Framers created various differences between the two
houses. The upper chamber of Congress, in which each state has two representatives
regardless of population size, with 100 senators total.

16. List the qualifications and length of term for serving in the Missouri House of Representatives
and in the Senate. Are the qualifications and length of term the same? If not, why?
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_State_Senate

17. What title is given to the presiding officer of the House of Representatives? List two powers
given to this position. Who currently hold this position?
www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm

The speaker of the United States House of Representatives is the presiding officer of the United
States House of Representatives. The Presiding Officer of the United States Senate is the person
who presides over the United States Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum
and recognizing members to speak. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House and the
leader of the majority party.

18. Who is presiding officer of the Senate? List two major powers given to this position. Who currently
holds this position​? ​www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm
http://archive.columbiatribune.com/education/PDF/VoteMissouri/Wk_6_LtGovernor08

1.)

2.)

19. Starting with the House of Representatives, a bill must go through many steps before being
placed on the governor’s desk and becoming law. Arrange the following steps in sequential order.

→The bill is placed on the ‘perfection calendar” for floor
debate-

→The bill is introduced by a member of the House of
Representatives-

→Committee amendments to a bill are debated first, then the
actual bill-

→The House clerk reads the bill and gives it a
number,-

→The members of the House vote on the bill and if the bill receives a majority of yes votes, the bill is
considered perfected and printed. The newly printed bill carries the word “Perfected” above the bill
number.

→If 82 members vote to take up the bill it will be placed on the House calendar for
consideration

→The bill is placed on the calendar, read again, and assigned to committee by Speaker of
the House

→If the committee refuses to act on a bill, one-third of the House members may vote to have it
placed on the House calendar.

→A public hearing is held; the bill is presented to the
committee.

→The committee discusses the bill, listening to those reasons for and those
against the bill

→The Senate reads the bill and gives the bill a first and second reading. Then, it’s referred to a
committee for a public hearing; reported by committee; amended on the floor and offered for final
approval.

→​The committee goes into executive session, votes and makes recommendations to “do pass,”
“pass with amendments”, “do not pass” or “submit to the House without recommendations.”

→If one or more Senate changes are rejected by the House committee, a conference may be
requested and five members from each house are designated as a conference committee.

→After perfection and re-printing, a bill goes on the calendar for a third reading. The bill is

debated again and if it ​gets 82 votes (majority) it is sent to the Senate.
→The bill is reprinted and the words, “Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed” are printed above
the bill number, and it is signed in open session by the Speaker of the House and the President
Pro Tem of the Senate.
→If the Senate changes the bill in any way, it is sent back to the House with the request that
the changes be approved. If the House approves, the bill is sent to the governor.
→Upon agreement by the conference committees of both the House and Senate, the bill is
declared, “Truly Agreed To” and “Finally Passed”​.

20. What options does the governor have upon receiving a bill from the General Assembly?
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/howbill.htm
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_General_Assembly
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_House_of_Representatives

21. Explain the initiative and referendum process. How does this process allow Missouri
citizens direct input in the legislative process?
http://ballotpedia.org/Laws_governing_the_initiative_process_in_Missouri

22. What impact does the 10​th ​Amendment of the U.S. Constitution have on Missouri
government? ​http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/tenth&elev.htm

23. What is the relationship between reapportionment and the national census? Is
gerrymandering allowed during this process?? What is the relationship between
reapportionment and the concept of one-man-one-vote​?
http://ballotpedia.org/Redistricting_in_Missouri
http://content.oa.mo.gov/budget-planning/redistricting-office/general-information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Census
http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/One+man,+one+vote

ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
24. What are the qualifications and term of office for governor of Missouri? Sally Smith has
been governor for 8 years and wants to run for another term. Would the Missouri Constitution
permit another term? Explain. ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a04003.htm
http://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_Missouri

25. List the powers of the Missouri governor. Who is the current governor?
http://www.twyman-whitney.com/constitutiontest/missouriconstitutionandgovernment.p
df ​http://clio.missouristate.edu/ftmiller/localhistory/docs/moconst1820.htm
Governor head of the government’s executive branch in each state or territory and,
depending on the individual jurisdiction, may have considerable control over
government budgeting, the power of appointment of many officials, and a considerable
role in legislation. Governor Mike Parson.

27. 26. What is the purpose of the State of the State Address? Is it the same as the
State of the Union speech?
http://ballotpedia.org/Article_IV,_Missouri_Constitution
Missouri gives it on January 15th

27. What is a pardon? Are there crimes for which the governor may not
pardon? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Governor_of_Missouri
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a04007.htm
http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c500-599/5520000070.htm
A pardon is a government decision to allow a person who has been
convicted of a crime, to be free and absolved of that conviction, as if
never convicted. Pardons generally apply only to offenses against a
state or the United States. Governors and the President can’t pardon
convictions for municipal crimes.

28. What are the qualifications, term of office and responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor? Who is
the current Lieutenant Governor? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Lieutenant_Governor_of_Missouri
http://ltgov.mo.gov/faqs.htm

Responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor is Preside as President over the Senate, voting in
the event of a tie vote. Preside as Governor when the Governor is absent from the state or
disabled. Upon the death, conviction, impeachment or resignation of the Governor, the Lt.
Governor shall become governor for the remainder of the term. The current Lieutenant Governor
is Mike Kehoe.

29. If the governor declares in writing, to the president pro tempore of the Senate, an inability to
discharge the duties of the office, who “discharges these duties?”
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A04011a.HTM http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_State_Senate

30. Explain the difference between a veto and a line item veto. Must the governor give a reason for
both the veto and the line item veto​? ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a04026.htm
http://www.house.mo.gov/content.aspx?info=/info/glossary.htm

Line-item veto in the United States. In the United States government, the line-item veto, or
partial veto, is the power of an executive authority to nullify or cancel specific provisions of a
bill. In the United States government, the line-item veto, or partial veto, is the power of an
executive. In his first two terms as governor. Give me the authority to veto waste, and I’ll take
the responsibility, I’ll make the cut, I’ll take the heat.

31. What is the function of the Missouri National Guard? What authority does the governor have
over the Missouri National Guard? Under what conditions may the Missouri National Guard be

“called-out?” ​http://ballotpedia.org/Article_IV,_Missouri_Constitution
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A04006.HTM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_National_Guard

32. Who is the current Missouri State Auditor? What are the qualifications, responsibilities, duties
and length of term of the state auditor​? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_State_Auditor
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A04013.HTM http://www.auditor.mo.gov/

33. Who is the current Missouri Secretary of State? What are the responsibilities, duties and length of
term of the Missouri Secretary of State​? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Secretary_of_State
http://www.sos.mo.gov/Default.asp

34. Who is the current Missouri Attorney General? What are the responsibilities, duties and length of
term of the Missouri Attorney General​?
http://attorney-general.laws.com/missouri-attorney-general https://www.ago.mo.gov/
http://attorney-general.laws.com/missouri-attorney-general

Eric Schmitt and Attorney general duties include providing consumer protections from fraud,
scams and dangerous products, people and situations, protection of the state’s resources by
upholding state and federal environmental laws, oversight or direct involvement in criminal
court cases and appeals, enforcement of judgments.

35. Who is the current Missouri State Treasurer? What are the responsibilities, duties and length of
term of the Missouri State Treasurer​? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Treasurer
http://www.treasurer.mo.gov/

The state treasurer is responsible for authorizing disbursement of state funds, balancing the
state accounts, contracting with private banks to process state receipts and disbursements,
manage money and security transfers, and reporting on the state’s financial activities. The
current state treasurer is Scott Fitzpatrick.

36. Who is the current Missouri State Auditor? What are the responsibilities, duties and length of
term of the Missouri State Auditor? ​http://www.auditor.mo.gov/
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_State_Auditor

State Auditor also conducts audits for county and city governments lacking their own
auditor or when requested by citizen petition. The State Auditor serves a four-year term, and
is the only state Executive Branch official elected in even-numbered non-presidential
election years. Galloway was appointed as State Auditor of Missouri.

ARTICLE V JUDICIAL

DEPARTMENT

34. What is the highest court in the state of Missouri? Explain their
“jurisdiction?” ​http://judgepedia.org/Missouri_Supreme_Court
http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=27
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A05003.HTM

Missouri Supreme Court is the highest court. Jurisdiction is a term that
refers to the limits of a legal authority. When a legal body holds jurisdiction,
it has the authority to administer justice within that jurisdiction.

35. How many justices sit on the Missouri State Supreme Court? Briefly explain the ​Missouri
Court Plan​. ​http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=27
https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=297

The Missouri Supreme Court is composed of seven judges. The Missouri Plan (originally the
Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan, also known as the merit plan, or some variation) is a
method for the selection of judges.

36. What is the function and jurisdiction of the Missouri circuit courts? How are judges for these
courts “selected”? ​https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=321
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missouri_Circuit_Courts

Missouri’s Constitution established Missouri circuit courts. Supreme Court justices, court of
appeals judges, and district court judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the
United States Senate, as stated in the Constitution.

37. Why is it necessary to have both state and federal courts within
Missouri? ​http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courts_of_Missouri

State Courts vs. Federal Courts

38. What is the job and jurisdiction of the Missouri Court of Appeals? How many do we have in
Missouri and where are they located? ​http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=261
http://judgepedia.org/Missouri_Court_of_Appeals

The Missouri Court of Appeals has jurisdiction. Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States.
With over six million residents.

39. How may a judge (Supreme Court and/or circuit court) be removed from office?
http://www.judicialselection.com/judicial_selection/methods/removal_of_judges.cfm?
state http://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=230
http://judgepedia.org/Missouri_Supreme_Court

The Constitution states that Justices “shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour.” This
means that the Justices hold office as long as they choose and can only be removed from
office by impeachment.

ARTICLE VII PUBLIC
OFFICERS

40. Which state officials may be impeached? What crimes are grounds for
impeachment? ​http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C100-199/1060000020.HTM
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a07002.htm

41. Which body of the General Assembly holds the power of impeachment? Which body tries
impeachments cases and how many votes are necessary for conviction?
http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/chapters/chap106.htm
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a07001.htm

43. Is it legal for an individual to hold both a federal office and Missouri office at the
same time? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Article_VII,_Missouri_Constitution

ARTICLE VIII SUFFRAGE and

ELECTIONS

44. When must general elections be held?
http://elections.mytimetovote.com/dates/missouri.html
http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_elections,_2014

45. What are the voter qualifications in Missouri?
http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/goVoteMissouri/
http://votesmart.org/elections/voter-registration/MO#.U1Uz8uZdV8w

ARTICLE IX
EDUCATION

46. What provisions does the state make for giving financial aid to public schools?
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/a09007.htm
http://moparent.com/where-does-missouris-public-education-funding-come-f
rom

ARTICLE X
TAXATION

47. Who holds the power of taxation within Missouri​?
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/t10.htm
http://www.mo.gov/government/guide-to-missouris-government/

ARTICLE XII AMENDING THE
CONSTITUTION

48. Explain the process for amending the Missouri Constitution?
http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A03050.HTM http://ballotpedia.org/Missouri_Constitution
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_steps_required_to_amend_the_Missouri_constitution?
#slide =1

49. How often do Missouri voters decide if they want to hold a constitutional
convention? ​http://ballotpedia.org/Constitutional_convention
http://ballotpedia.org/Article_XII,_Missouri_Constitution#Section_3.28a.29

MISSOURI HISTORY

50. Create a timeline of Missouri history, listing and defining the following: Missouri Compromise,

Statehood, first constitution, first state capitol, permanent capital and seat of government, Missouri
second constitution, foundation of University of Missouri, Dred Scott decision, Missouri’s third
constitution, World’s Fair, women were given the right to vote, Missouri’s fourth constitution and Harry S.
Truman becomes President of The United States.
https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/history/timeline/timeline1.asp
http://kalebmissouri.edublogs.org/2012/11/10/timeline-of-important-events-in-missouri-history/
http://clio.missouristate.edu/FTMiller/LocalHistory/motimeline.htm