The Government of a Community
An Internet Treasure Hunt
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Created by Carmen Reyes, 3rd Grade Bilingual Teacher at Crockett Elementary
Introduction: Communities are all around! People live, work, and have fun in a community, but a community needs a government to function appropriately. You are going to discover how civic participation affects the structure and function of government in a community and the basic structure of government in the local community (Houston), your state (Texas), and national government (USA). There are many things to learn. Look to the websites and answer the questions to discover the great treasures internet has for you!
Questions:
1. What are the levels of government of a community?
2. Name and describe the three types of power exercised by government.
3. What is the basic structure of government in your local community, Houston City?
4. Who are the people in charge of government in your local community? Mention the mayor and at least 5 more of them.
5. What services should local government leaders provide to a community?
6. Describe the functions of at least three community leaders at your local community.
7. What is the basic structure of government in your state, Texas?
8. Who are our state leaders?
9. How is structured our national government?
10. Who are our current national leaders?
11. Identify national government buildings.
12. What is the process to elect our national leaders? Include President, Congress, and Supreme Court.
13. What “check and balance” means?
14. Why should every citizen vote in elections?
15. What is my responsibility as a community member?
Websites:
1. Levels of Government in USA
2. The USA Government You Tube Video
3. Houston City Hall
4. Houston Mayor
5. City Controller
6. Houston City Council
7. City of Houston Government
8. Community Services
9. Police Department
10. Public Library
11. Parks and Recreation
12. Fire Department
13. Texas State Government
14. People, Process and Places at State Capitol
15. Texas Governor
16. Texas Governor
17. Texas House of Representatives
18. Senate for Kids
19. Branches of Government
20. Senate
21. The USA President
22. The USA Vice-president
23. The USA Cabinet
24. Supreme Court Building
25. Supreme Court
26. White House
27. Presidential Election Process
28. Elections of President
29. Election of Senators
30. Election of Representatives
31. Check and Balances
32. Separation of Powers
33. Game Branches of Government
34. What Good Citizens Do
35. Civic Responsibilities
1. Levels of Government in USA
2. The USA Government You Tube Video
3. Houston City Hall
4. Houston Mayor
5. City Controller
6. Houston City Council
7. City of Houston Government
8. Community Services
9. Police Department
10. Public Library
11. Parks and Recreation
12. Fire Department
13. Texas State Government
14. People, Process and Places at State Capitol
15. Texas Governor
16. Texas Governor
17. Texas House of Representatives
18. Senate for Kids
19. Branches of Government
20. Senate
21. The USA President
22. The USA Vice-president
23. The USA Cabinet
24. Supreme Court Building
25. Supreme Court
26. White House
27. Presidential Election Process
28. Elections of President
29. Election of Senators
30. Election of Representatives
31. Check and Balances
32. Separation of Powers
33. Game Branches of Government
34. What Good Citizens Do
35. Civic Responsibilities
Big Question:
Do you think that America’s government is well structured and helping communities to succeed in their purposes and needs? Why? What would you do to help your community be a better place to live?