Purposes of Government
This is one reason governments create laws
Keeping order or protecting people
In this form of government, citizens have a voice in making decisions.
democracy
This level of government serves a town, city, or community.
local government
This branch makes laws.
legislative branch
Your neighborhood park needs repairs. Which level of government would you contact first?
Local government
Police officers, firefighters, and public schools are examples of these
government services
In this form of government, a king or queen is the head of state.
monarchy
This level of government serves an entire state.
state government
This branch carries out and enforces laws.
executive branch
You need a driver’s license. Which state government agency provides this service?
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
A town repairs a dangerous traffic light. Which purpose of government is being fulfilled?
Protecting people or solving community problems
In this form of government, one ruler has most or all of the power.
dictatorship
This level of government serves the entire United States.
This branch interprets laws and settles legal disagreements.
judicial branch
Which government service responds when a building is on fire?
fire department
Explain the difference between a government's purpose and it's function
A purpose is why government exists, a function is what government does.
In which form of government do citizens vote and have a voice in how the government is run?
democracy
Which level is mainly responsible for national defense and relations with other countries?
federal government
Congress belongs to this branch of the federal government.
legislative branch
A citizen believes a law has been broken and a legal decision must be made. Which branch handles the case?
judicial branch
A storm damages homes, closes roads, and causes power outages. Name two actions the government should take AND two purposes they fulfill
provide emergency services, clear roads, protect residents, restore order, or help solve the problem.
Compare how leaders usually gain power in a democracy and a monarchy.
In a democracy, citizens elect leaders; in a monarchy, leadership is usually inherited.
A major hurricane affects several towns and states. Explain why more than one level of government might respond.
Local, state, and federal governments may work together because the emergency affects multiple communities and requires many resources.
Match each federal leader or group to a branch: President, Congress, Supreme Court.
President—executive
Congress—legislative
Supreme Court—judicial
A road crosses several states and needs major repairs. Which level would most likely be involved, and why?
The federal government may help because the road crosses state borders; state governments may also be involved.