Difference between revisions of "Kentucky"
GregLarson (Talk | contribs) (Fletcher may have lost re-election, but is in office until December 11) |
DavidB4-bot (Talk | contribs) m (→top: HTTP --> HTTPS [#1], replaced: http://www.senate.gov → https://www.senate.gov) |
||
| (43 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | + | {{USState | |
| + | |name=Kentucky | ||
| + | |flag=Kentucky_State_Flag.gif | ||
| + | |motto=<br/> | ||
| + | #"United We Stand, Divided We Fall" | ||
| + | #"Deo gratiam habeamus" (Let us be grateful to God) | ||
| + | |nick=The Bluegrass State | ||
| + | |capital=Frankfort | ||
| + | |language=English | ||
| + | |governor=Matt Bevin | ||
| + | |gparty=Republican | ||
| + | |senator2=Rand Paul | ||
| + | |s2party=Republican | ||
| + | |s2phone=(202) 224-4343 | ||
| + | |s2email=https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/one_item_and_teasers/Paul_Rand.htm Contact | ||
| + | |senator1=Mitch McConnell | ||
| + | |s1party=Republican | ||
| + | |s1phone=(202) 224-2541 | ||
| + | |s1email=http://mcconnell.senate.gov/contact_form.cfm Contact | ||
| + | |population= | ||
| + | |date=June 1, 1792 (15th) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | '''Kentucky''', the Bluegrass State, entered the [[United States of America|Union]] in 1792, making it the fifteenth state. Kentucky's capital is [[Frankfort]], and the largest city is [[Louisville]], with a Metro population surpassing 1,000,000. Kentucky is famous for many things, including the [[Kentucky Derby]], [[bourbon]], Kentucky Fried Chicken, [[coal]], bluegrass music, boxing great [[Muhammad Ali]], the basketball program at the [[University of Kentucky]], and [[conservative]] Senator [[Rand Paul]]. President [[Donald Trump]] won Kentucky by 30% in 2016, the largest margin of victory for a [[Republican]] presidential candidate there in more than 40 years. | ||
| − | ''' | + | The state Constitution of Kentucky, like all of the other 50 states, acknowledges God or our Creator or the ''Sovereign Ruler of the Universe''. It says: |
| + | :''We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty [[God]] for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution.'' | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| + | In colonial times, the area was essentially wilderness. An unnamed encampment there, upon hearing of the [[Battle of Lexington and Concord]] in the Massachusetts Bay colony, which started the American revolution, chose the name Lexington. It is now the second largest city in Kentucky. | ||
| + | Kentucky was founded as a county of the state of [[Virginia]] in 1776. Kentucky County was divided into three counties in 1780, and the three became a state in their own right in 1792. Kentucky was the fifteenth state to enter the [[United States|Union]], after [[Vermont]] the previous year. During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], Kentucky's government remained loyal to the Union, though a [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] government based itself in Bowling Green, in the south of the state. The state was invaded in September 1861, and its capital, [[Frankfort, Kentucky|Frankfort]], was captured by Confederate forces in 1862, the only Union capital to fall into Confederate hands during the war.<ref>http://www.visitkentuckyusa.com/about-kentucky/kentucky-facts.asp</ref> | ||
==Sports== | ==Sports== | ||
| − | Kentucky is best | + | Kentucky is best known for its men's college [[basketball]] teams, most notably the [[University of Kentucky]] Wildcats and [[University of Louisville]] Cardinals. The University of Kentucky (UK) traditionally has been the dominant of the two, having won seven NCAA titles. According to Sagarin ratings, the 1996 UK team is the highest-ranked college basketball team in NCAA history. Many UK basketball players have gone on to play in the NBA. The UK basketball team has recently lost its dominance, and the in-state rivalry between the two universities has become less one-sided. |
| − | [[Football]] has become increasingly associated with Kentucky as well, due to the [[University of Louisville]]'s team's growth under the coaching of Bobby Petrino. In 2007, the Cardinals competed in and won at the [[Orange Bowl]]. During the 2007 football season, the University of Kentucky has been extremely successful | + | [[Football]] has become increasingly associated with Kentucky as well, due to the [[University of Louisville]]'s team's growth under the coaching of Bobby Petrino. In 2007, the Cardinals competed in and won at the [[Orange Bowl]]. During the 2007 football season, the University of Kentucky has been extremely successful compared to the past, having beaten several ranked teams, including Louisville and #1 (at the time) LSU. |
==Politics== | ==Politics== | ||
| − | Kentucky is considered a | + | Kentucky is generally considered a [[conservative]] state. Republicans [[Mitch McConnell]] and [[Rand Paul]] are their U.S. [[Senators]]. Senator McConnell is [[Majority Leader of the Senate]]. McConnell's wife, [[Elaine Chao]], is [[Secretary of Transportation]] under President Trump and formerly was [[United States]] [[Secretary of Labor]] under President [[George W. Bush]]. The current governor of Kentucky is [[Tea Party Movement|Tea Party]] Republican [[Matt Bevin]], the third Republican governor since World War II to be elected with [[Louie B. Nunn]], the chief executive from 1967 to 1971, and [[Ernie Fletcher]], who served from 2003 to 2007, being elected before. |
| − | + | Kentucky has six representatives in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], and these seats are held by Republicans James Comer, Brett Guthrie, Thomas Massie, Andy Barr, and Hal Rogers, and Democrat John Yarmuth. | |
| − | The Kentucky State Senate has | + | The Kentucky State Senate has 27 Republicans, and 11 Democrats. In the 2016 elections, the Republicans made massive gains in the State House, gaining a supermajority and holding the chamber for the first time since 1921.<ref name="Loftus">Loftus, Tom (November 9, 2016). [http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/politics/elections/kentucky/2016/11/08/control-kentucky-house-up-grabs/93344114/ GOP takes Ky House in historic shift]. ''Courier-Journal''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> The Kentucky State House was the last state legislature in the South to not have a Republican majority, and GOP trifecta in the state will allow conservative legislation to be passed.<ref name="Loftus"/><ref>Brammer, Jack & Blackford, Linda (November 8, 2016). [http://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article113464563.html Republicans take the Kentucky House after 95 years of Democratic control]. ''Lexington Herald-Leader''. Retrieved November 9, 2016.</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | ==Elected Officials== | ||
| + | As of 2017. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Federal=== | ||
| + | *Sen. [[Mitch McConnell]] (R) | ||
| + | *Sen. [[Rand Paul]] (R) | ||
| + | *Rep. [[James Comer]] [R, KY-01] | ||
| + | *Rep. [[Brett Guthrie]] [R, KY-02] | ||
| + | *Rep. [[John Yarmuth]] [D, KY-03] | ||
| + | *Rep. [[Thomas Massie]] [R, KY-04] | ||
| + | *Rep. [[Hal Rogers]] [R, KY-05] | ||
| + | *Rep. [[Andy Barr]] [R, KY-06] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===Statewide=== | ||
| + | *Governor [[Matt Bevin]] (R) | ||
| + | *Lt. Governor [[Jenean Hampton]] (R) | ||
| + | *Attorney General [[Andy Beshear]] (D) | ||
| + | *Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes (D) | ||
| + | *Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles (R) | ||
| + | *State Treasurer [[Allison Ball]] (R) | ||
| + | *State Auditor [[Mike Harmon]] (R) | ||
[[Image:Ky outline.jpg|right|300px]] | [[Image:Ky outline.jpg|right|300px]] | ||
| Line 23: | Line 70: | ||
Kentucky borders several other states: to the north [[Ohio]], [[Indiana]], and [[Illinois]], to the south [[Tennessee]], to the east [[Virginia]] and [[West Virginia]], and to the west [[Missouri]]. The [[Ohio River]] makes up the northern border of Kentucky. | Kentucky borders several other states: to the north [[Ohio]], [[Indiana]], and [[Illinois]], to the south [[Tennessee]], to the east [[Virginia]] and [[West Virginia]], and to the west [[Missouri]]. The [[Ohio River]] makes up the northern border of Kentucky. | ||
| + | == References == | ||
| + | <references/> | ||
{{USstates}} | {{USstates}} | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:States of the United States]] |
| + | [[Category:Kentucky]] | ||
Revision as of 17:58, September 26, 2018
| Capital | Frankfort |
|---|---|
| Nickname | The Bluegrass State |
| Official Language | English |
| Governor | Matt Bevin, R |
| Senator | Mitch McConnell, R (202) 224-2541 Contact |
| Senator | Rand Paul, R (202) 224-4343 Contact |
| Ratification of Constitution/or statehood | June 1, 1792 (15th) |
| Flag of Kentucky | Motto:
|
Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, entered the Union in 1792, making it the fifteenth state. Kentucky's capital is Frankfort, and the largest city is Louisville, with a Metro population surpassing 1,000,000. Kentucky is famous for many things, including the Kentucky Derby, bourbon, Kentucky Fried Chicken, coal, bluegrass music, boxing great Muhammad Ali, the basketball program at the University of Kentucky, and conservative Senator Rand Paul. President Donald Trump won Kentucky by 30% in 2016, the largest margin of victory for a Republican presidential candidate there in more than 40 years.
The state Constitution of Kentucky, like all of the other 50 states, acknowledges God or our Creator or the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe. It says:
- We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy, and invoking the continuance of these blessings, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
Contents
History
In colonial times, the area was essentially wilderness. An unnamed encampment there, upon hearing of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in the Massachusetts Bay colony, which started the American revolution, chose the name Lexington. It is now the second largest city in Kentucky.
Kentucky was founded as a county of the state of Virginia in 1776. Kentucky County was divided into three counties in 1780, and the three became a state in their own right in 1792. Kentucky was the fifteenth state to enter the Union, after Vermont the previous year. During the Civil War, Kentucky's government remained loyal to the Union, though a Confederate government based itself in Bowling Green, in the south of the state. The state was invaded in September 1861, and its capital, Frankfort, was captured by Confederate forces in 1862, the only Union capital to fall into Confederate hands during the war.[1]
Sports
Kentucky is best known for its men's college basketball teams, most notably the University of Kentucky Wildcats and University of Louisville Cardinals. The University of Kentucky (UK) traditionally has been the dominant of the two, having won seven NCAA titles. According to Sagarin ratings, the 1996 UK team is the highest-ranked college basketball team in NCAA history. Many UK basketball players have gone on to play in the NBA. The UK basketball team has recently lost its dominance, and the in-state rivalry between the two universities has become less one-sided.
Football has become increasingly associated with Kentucky as well, due to the University of Louisville's team's growth under the coaching of Bobby Petrino. In 2007, the Cardinals competed in and won at the Orange Bowl. During the 2007 football season, the University of Kentucky has been extremely successful compared to the past, having beaten several ranked teams, including Louisville and #1 (at the time) LSU.
Politics
Kentucky is generally considered a conservative state. Republicans Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are their U.S. Senators. Senator McConnell is Majority Leader of the Senate. McConnell's wife, Elaine Chao, is Secretary of Transportation under President Trump and formerly was United States Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush. The current governor of Kentucky is Tea Party Republican Matt Bevin, the third Republican governor since World War II to be elected with Louie B. Nunn, the chief executive from 1967 to 1971, and Ernie Fletcher, who served from 2003 to 2007, being elected before.
Kentucky has six representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, and these seats are held by Republicans James Comer, Brett Guthrie, Thomas Massie, Andy Barr, and Hal Rogers, and Democrat John Yarmuth.
The Kentucky State Senate has 27 Republicans, and 11 Democrats. In the 2016 elections, the Republicans made massive gains in the State House, gaining a supermajority and holding the chamber for the first time since 1921.[2] The Kentucky State House was the last state legislature in the South to not have a Republican majority, and GOP trifecta in the state will allow conservative legislation to be passed.[2][3]
Elected Officials
As of 2017.
Federal
- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
- Sen. Rand Paul (R)
- Rep. James Comer [R, KY-01]
- Rep. Brett Guthrie [R, KY-02]
- Rep. John Yarmuth [D, KY-03]
- Rep. Thomas Massie [R, KY-04]
- Rep. Hal Rogers [R, KY-05]
- Rep. Andy Barr [R, KY-06]
Statewide
- Governor Matt Bevin (R)
- Lt. Governor Jenean Hampton (R)
- Attorney General Andy Beshear (D)
- Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes (D)
- Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles (R)
- State Treasurer Allison Ball (R)
- State Auditor Mike Harmon (R)
Geography
Kentucky borders several other states: to the north Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, to the south Tennessee, to the east Virginia and West Virginia, and to the west Missouri. The Ohio River makes up the northern border of Kentucky.
References
- ↑ http://www.visitkentuckyusa.com/about-kentucky/kentucky-facts.asp
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Loftus, Tom (November 9, 2016). GOP takes Ky House in historic shift. Courier-Journal. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
- ↑ Brammer, Jack & Blackford, Linda (November 8, 2016). Republicans take the Kentucky House after 95 years of Democratic control. Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved November 9, 2016.
| |||||
