Your State and Local Governments

Social Studies American History American Identity Your State and Local Governments
Students define the word federal as a refresher. Then they read the Tenth Amendment and create a Venn diagram of the federal and state governments. Next they explore local governments and explain why most Americans have more contact with state and local governments than with the federal government. Finally, students practice finding contact information for public officials at all levels.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for Your State and Local Governments:

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Overview

In this experience, students define the word federal as a refresher. Then they read the Tenth Amendment and create a Venn diagram of the federal and state governments. Next they explore local governments and explain why most Americans have more contact with state and local governments than with the federal government. Finally, students practice finding contact information for public officials at all levels.

Estimated duration: 40-50 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • delegated
  • commerce
  • recreation

Objectives

  • Describe the structure and function of state and local governments.
  • Explain how to contact public officials.


Engage


You have learned about the federal government throughout this course on American History. In this lesson, you will learn about two additional levels of government that provide you with services—your state and local governments.

Objectives

  • Describe the structure and function of state and local governments.
  • Explain how to contact public officials.


photograph of the Louisiana capitol building, which has a very tall office tower

The Louisiana State Capitol building in Baton Rouge
is currently the tallest capitol building in the United States


Recall that the national government is often referred to as the federal government. Do you remember what the word federal means? Turn to an elbow partner, discuss the word, and together write a definition.


Sample definition: a government where power is shared between a national, centralized government and smaller state governments

Work with students to come up with a classwide definition.


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in American Identity Unit.
Social Studies American History American Identity My American Identity
My American Identity
Social Studies American History American Identity Uncle Sam Wants You: National Symbols
Uncle Sam Wants You: National Symbols
Social Studies American History American Identity American Identity: Vocabulary
American Identity: Vocabulary
Social Studies American History American Identity The National Ethos
The National Ethos
Social Studies American History American Identity The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
Social Studies American History American Identity Your State and Local Governments
Your State and Local Governments
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