Government Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 2 PDF Download

Introduction

A government is a group of people who make rules and take care of our community, state, and country. They help keep us safe, make sure things are fair, and provide services like schools and roads. In the United States, we have different kinds of government that work together to help everyone. Let’s learn about what the government does and the different levels of government!

Purpose of Government

• The government makes rules, called laws, to keep people safe.
• The government provides things we need, such as schools, libraries, and parks.
• The government keeps our communities clean and safe by organizing services like police and fire departments.
• The government makes sure everyone is treated fairly and equally.
• The government helps solve problems when people disagree.
• The government protects our country and ensures we have a strong community.
• The government has leaders chosen by people to make decisions for them.
• The government builds roads, bridges, and other things we all use.
• The government helps people in need, such as those who don’t have enough food or a home.
• The government makes sure our water, food, and air are safe.

Local Government

• The local government takes care of a town, city, or county.
• The local government is the closest government to where we live.
• A mayor or city council leads the local government.
• The local government builds and fixes parks, playgrounds, and libraries.
• The local government takes care of streets, sidewalks, and streetlights in our town.
• Local police and firefighters work for the local government to keep us safe.
• The local government collects trash and keeps our community clean.
• The local government runs schools and hires teachers.
• The local government makes rules for the town, such as how fast cars can drive.
• People vote to choose local leaders, like the mayor.

State Government

• The state government takes care of one state, such as California or Texas.
• Each state has its own government with a governor as the leader.
• The state government makes laws for the entire state.
• The state government builds and fixes big roads and highways that connect cities.
• The state government helps run colleges and universities.
• The state government protects natural places, such as state parks and forests.
• State police work for the state government to keep people safe.
• The state government helps local governments when they need extra support.
• The state government makes sure schools in the state have what they need.
• People vote to choose the governor and other state leaders.

Federal Government

• The federal government takes care of the entire United States.
• The President is the leader of the federal government.
• The federal government makes laws for the whole country to follow.
• The federal government protects our country with the military.
• The federal government makes money, such as coins and dollar bills, that we use.
• The federal government helps states work together and share things fairly.
• The federal government makes sure food, medicine, and products are safe.
• The federal government takes care of big places, such as national parks.
• People vote to choose the President and other federal leaders.
• The federal government helps other countries and keeps our country safe.