Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: State and local governments are structured much like the national government to provide implement policies and provide services to their citizens.

Find your home county on this map of Alabama. What do you know about your county government? What do you know about your state government?

You have probably seen Alabama State Troopers on patrol as you ride around the state highways. You may have encountered state government as you received vaccinations when you were younger. Are you carrying a driver's license issued by the state of Alabama? These are only some of the many functions of state government.

The Constitution, while outlining the powers of the federal government, does not even mention local governments. These units of authority, from the mayor's office to the county clerk, are established by the states. Have you purchased a tag for your vehicle? Have you or a member of your family had to pay property taxes? Has a member of your family been called to serve on a jury? If so, county government has impacted your life. These are just a few examples of the many ways state and local governments impact your life. In this lesson you will explore the function of state and local governments.

Alabama map.

A map of the state of Alabama.

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Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • identify how the structure and function of local and state governments are similar to the national government.
  • compare the purpose of services provided by state and local governments to those provided by the federal government including fiscal policies, monetary policies, and transportation services.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 5.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R4, R7, W2, W4, and W9.
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