The Big Idea Activity

Why do communities need governments?

Role-Play a Government Official

Student working on the Activity

Find out more about a job in your local government. Then teach your classmates more about that job. California Standard 3.4 Students understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives and the basic structure of the U.S. government.

Research RoadmapPrint the Research Roadmap. Use it to take notes and hand it in to your teacher when you make your presentation.

 

Topic Finder

Need help finding a topic? Explore these ideas for research...Safety.

Case Study

Here's an example of a topic you could choose for Big Idea Activity: Sacramento's local government has a mayor, a city council, and a city manager. The mayor is Heather Fargo. The city manager is Robert Thomas. Learn more about what a city manager does by reading about Robert Thomas's responsibilities.

Fun Facts Sacramento has elections for the mayor every four years, just like elections for the President of the national government. When will they elect the next mayor?

 
 

You are not old enough to vote, but you can make a difference! Let your local government know what laws you think should be passed. Volunteering is also a good way to make a difference in your community.

Your Idea Becomes a Law

Volunteering in California

 
 

Governing the United States

The Great Seal of the United States

Read more about the seal of the United States.

Bill of Rights

Learn more about the freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights.

Pechanga Tribal Council

Read about the structure of a tribal government. The Pechanga Band of Luiseņo Indians lives in southern California.

City Government of Bakersfield

Find out about the local government of Bakersfield, California. Read the tips for getting involved in your local community.

Celebrating America

W.E.B. Du Bois

W.E.B. Du Bois was an American hero. He worked hard to improve race relations and was a founding member of the NAACP.

State Folk Dance

Did you know that California has a state folk dance? Follow this link to find out which dance it is.