State Government Graphic Organizer
Civics & Government Informational Text Organizer • Page 1 of 2
Text: Lisa Simone
State Government in Action
Focus Study: The State Government and Its Citizens
Name:
Date:
Class:
Directions: Read each section of the text, then record the state government's key responsibilities, specific examples, and how services are supported.
1. Transportation
Pars. 4–5
Infrastructure (What does the state build and maintain?):
Specific Text Examples & State Workers:
Funding (How does the state pay for roads & bridges?):
2. Health & Safety
Pars. 6–7
Protecting Citizens (Facilities & spaces run by the state):
State Police Duties (Where do they patrol & monitor?):
Amber Alerts (What is an Amber Alert and why is it issued?):
3. Education
Pars. 8–9
Local Schools (Who sets them up & what does funding provide?):
Higher Education (State colleges vs. private colleges):
Budget Share (How much of public school funding is state-funded?):
4. Working Together
Pars. 10–12
Emergency Teamwork (Example of states helping each other):
Federal Partnership (How does the national government assist?):
Federalism & Quote (Why is cooperation essential in disasters?):
Big Picture Connection: Federalism in Everyday Life
Synthesize & Reflect
Based on paragraphs 2 and 12, why is it beneficial for state governments to address these everyday needs rather than the federal government trying to solve everything alone?
Civics & Government Historical Foundations • Page 2 of 2
Text: Lisa Simone
Federalism & The Federalists
Analyzing the Introduction: Paragraphs 1–3 & Federalist No. 45
Name:
Date:
Directions: Explore how our system of shared power was founded. Use the passage introduction (paragraphs 1–3) and the primary source sidebar to complete each section below.
1. The Principle of Federalism
Paragraph 1
Define "Federalism" (How do national & state governments interact?):
The Tenth Amendment & James Madison's Role:
2. Primary Source Analysis: James Madison & Federalist No. 45
Text Sidebar
“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite... concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people...” — James Madison, Federalist No. 45
Federal Powers: “Few and Defined”
According to Madison, what objects or matters does the national government focus on?
State Powers: “Numerous and Indefinite”
According to Madison, what areas do the state governments oversee?
Purpose: Why did Madison and the Federalists write The Federalist Papers?
3. Different States, Different Priorities
Paragraph 2
The text states that the federal government cannot meet all citizens' needs. Explain the specific concern highlighted in the text for each state:
California: Water Conservation
Why is this a major issue in California?
Wisconsin: Dairy Farming & Livestock
Why is this a major issue in Wisconsin?
4. State Constitutions & Everyday Citizen Contact
Paragraph 3
What is a state constitution and what does it outline?
Why do citizens have more contact with state & local gov?
The State Government and Its Citizens • Graphic Organizer Connecting Foundations to Public Services (Pages 1 & 2)
