Power Map Worksheet Civic Power Map
Tracking Federal, State, and Local Responsibilities
NAME:
DATE:
VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
As you watch the video "Levels of Government - Federal, State, and Local Explained," listen for the specific powers, leaders, and responsibilities of each tier of government. Record your findings in the columns below.
Federal
U.S. CONSTITUTION
Executive Leaders & Power
Legislative Body & Roles
Judicial Branch Info
Specific Responsibilities
State
STATE CONSTITUTION
Executive Leaders & Power
Legislative Body & Roles
Judicial Branch Info
Specific Responsibilities
Local
City & County
Executive Leaders & Power
Legislative Body & Roles
Judicial Branch Info
Specific Responsibilities
Key Term: Bicameral
Key Term: Unicameral
Key Term: General Assembly
Responsibility Shuffle Activity Responsibility Shuffle
Sorting Government Functions Activity
Activity Instructions: In your groups, cut out the responsibility cards below. Work together to categorize each function into the correct level of government: Federal , State , or Local . Use your Power Map Worksheet for clues!
Printing Money &
Declaring War &
Issuing Driver's
Trash & Recycling
Managing Local
Providing Public Water
Issuing Marriage
Running State
U.S. Postal Service
Maintaining Vital Records
Supervising Elections
Managing State
Commander in Chief of
Regulating Interstate
Fixing Local Potholes
GOVERNMENT SORTING ZONE
Federal
State
Local
Civic Solutions Key Civic Solutions
Teacher Answer Key & Facilitation Guide
Teacher Resource
Power Map Graphic Organizer Key
Federal Level
Executive:
President (4-year term); Enforces laws; Commander in Chief; Proposes budget; Signs/Vetoes laws.
Legislative:
Congress (Senate & House of Representatives); Makes laws; Spends money.
Judicial:
Supreme Court + Lower Federal Courts (District, Appeals); Judges are appointed by President / Approved by Senate.
State Level
Executive:
Governor (4-year term); Enforces state laws; Manages National Guard (emergencies); Signs/Vetoes state laws.
Legislative:
State Legislature / General Assembly; Bicameral (except Nebraska); Makes state laws.
Judicial:
State Supreme, Appeals, District Courts; Judges selected by Assisted Appointment or Nonpartisan Election.
Local Level
Executive:
Mayor (City) or Commission (County); Enforces city/county ordinances; Proposes local budget.
Legislative:
City Council or County Commission; Passes local laws (ordinances); Approves budget.
Judicial:
Local/County Courts (managed by state but located locally for efficiency).
Responsibility Shuffle Solution Grid
Federal
Printing Money & Currency
Declaring War & Foreign Policy
U.S. Postal Service & Mail Delivery
Regulating Interstate/Foreign Trade
State
Issuing Driver's Licenses
Issuing Marriage Licenses
Running State Highways
Managing State Parks
Commander of National Guard
Local
Trash & Recycling Collection
Managing Local Public Schools
Providing Public Water & Utilities
Maintaining Vital Records
Supervising Elections & Voting
Fixing Local Potholes & Streets
Teaching Moment Check-In
The Nebraska Factor: Highlight that Nebraska is the only unicameral state legislature. Ask students if they think one house is more efficient or less fair than two.
Government Layers Slides Government Layers
6th Grade Civics: Federal, State, and Local Powers
Warm-Up
Think-Pair-Share:
Who fixes a pothole in front of your house?
Who decides if our country goes to war?
Discuss with a partner for 2 minutes, then be ready to share!
Video: Levels of Government
WATCH CAREFULLY
Embedded media
Fill out your Power Map Worksheet as you watch!
Discussion Anchor #1
The Nebraska Exception
The video mentioned that 49 states have bicameral legislatures (two houses).
"Why might a state choose to have only one legislative house instead of two? What are the pros and cons?"
UNICAMERAL
Discussion Anchor #2
Selecting Judges
State judges are sometimes appointed by governors and sometimes elected by citizens.
"Which method do you think is fairer? Why?"
Activity: Responsibility Shuffle
1
Get into your assigned groups.
2
Carefully cut out your shuffle cards .
3
Work together to sort each card into Federal, State, or Local .
4
First group to get 100% correct wins!
Prepare to Sort!
Exit Question
"Which level of government do you think affects your daily life the MOST? Why?"
Vote with your voice as you pack up!
