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

Discovery Reading

A printable Discovery Reading is included in the student pack as a support for understanding the experience’s core content and concepts. This Discovery Reading is not necessary to complete the experience and serves as an optional support resource.

Vocabulary Words:

These vocabulary words are used in the experience or connect closely to the standards and content students examine. Students should understand these terms as they work through the experience.

federal government: the national government of the United States, which has powers that affect the whole country.
Tenth Amendment: the amendment that says powers not given to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.
delegated powers: powers that the Constitution gives to the federal government, such as coining money, declaring war, and establishing post offices.
reserved powers: powers kept by the states, such as running schools, issuing driver’s licenses, and organizing local governments.
state government: the government of one state that makes laws and provides services for people living in that state.
local government: the government of a city, town, county, or special district that provides services in a community, such as police and fire protection, parks, and trash collection.
public official: a government leader or worker people can contact about laws, services, problems, or suggestions at the local, state, or national level.

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

The national government is often referred to as the federal government. The federal government has responsibilities that affect the entire country, while state and local governments have responsibilities that affect people closer to where they live. In the table, name one responsibility of the federal government.

Possible answers include responsibilities such as national defense, managing relations with other countries, printing money, or making and enforcing federal laws.

Use students’ responses to briefly reinforce that the federal government handles responsibilities that affect the nation as a whole. Then transition to how state and local governments have their own responsibilities.

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

Your State and Local Governments