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State and Local Governments

Students will explore the concept of federalism, from the powers held by the federal government to the powers reserved for the states. They will also learn about state government structures and functions, the state-level lawmaking process, and discover local governments, including county, municipal, and tribal governments. 

State government resources were created with support from the State Government Affairs Council. Local government resources were created with support from the National Association of Counties.

Choose Grade Level:

  • Game

    Counties Work

    Running a county is a lot of work! Manage things well, and try to get re-elected.
  • WebQuest

    Who Represents Me?

    Do you know who represents you in the federal, state and local government? Do you know how to get in touch with them? Follow this WebQuest to find answers to these questions and more!
  • WebQuest

    States Rule!

    Every state is different… and every state is the same! How can that be? Follow this WebQuest to find out about your state, its government, and its relationship to the U.S. government!
  • Game

    Cast Your Vote

    Election Day is coming, are you prepared to vote?
  • Lesson Plan

    State Power: Got a Reservation?

    Students discover that states have their own governments and powers separate from the federal government. They learn what those powers are, how they’re different from the federal government’s powers, and that state governments also give power to smaller, local governments. Students critique a set of fictional state laws, create a story involving state powers, and look at some differences between state and local power. We recommend teaching our lesson The "Federal" in Federalism right before this lesson.(Please note: This lesson replaces our old "On the Level" lesson plan. The Venn diagram…
  • Game

    Counties Work

    Running a county is a lot of work! Manage things well, and try to get re-elected.
  • Lesson Plan

    The Capable County

    County governments provide us with valuable services. In this lesson, students explore the many roles filled by their county government and the role of county governments in our federalist system.
  • WebQuest

    County Basics

    You probably know you live in a county (or the equivalent of a county), but do you know what county governments do? Find in this webquest! 
  • Lesson Plan

    The Great State

    What do state governments do? In this overview lesson, students learn about state government structure, functions, lawmaking, and relationship with local government.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
  • Lesson Plan

    County Contributions (Infographic)

    Meet the departments doing the important jobs that make your county work!