Big Idea: How does government help people get along?

Hold a Class Vote

   California Standard 2.3 Students explain governmental institutions and practices in the United States and other countries.

Materials: Pen or pencil, index cards

 

1. Launch this list of state animals.

 
 

2.. Browse the list to get ideas for your class animal. Suggest your favorites to your classmates.

 
 

3. Choose an animal and write it on an index card.

 
 

4. Collect the cards and count the votes.

 

 

 

Rules and Laws

Our constitution tells us how to run the government. It tells us how to make laws. Explore this interactive timeline about the constitution.

Our Government

Let Ben Franklin take you on a tour of the three branches of our government.

Our Country's Capital

Washington, DC is full of interesting buildings, streets, and people. You can learn all about this important city here and play some games, too!

Our State Capitals

In California, a person of any age can suggest a new law. Do you have any ideas? Use this Web site to see the process of making your idea into a law.

A Community Government

Select the city that you live in or nearby and click on the name. Explore the city Web site, and see if you can figure out who you would call if you found a lost dog.

Governments of Other Countries

Learn more about Canada's government, its queen, and the buildings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the capital city.