Government Basics
Learn how government is organized, who makes decisions, and how it affects your daily life.
Topics
Why Government Exists
Learn why governments exist and what they do.
LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT
Understand the difference between city, county, state, and federal government.
FORMS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Learn how cities are organized.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
Learn who the mayor, council, and city manager are.
HOW DECISIONS GET MADE
Learn how ideas become city policies.
LAWS & ORDINANCES
Learn the difference between local laws and state laws.
Who Makes Decisions?
Learn the difference between local laws and state laws.
what is Government?
Government is a system that helps communities make decisions, provide services, and create rules that everyone follows.
Government helps provide things like:
- Roads
- Police
- Fire protection
- Parks
- Libraries
- Water
- Public transportation
levels of government
| Level | Examples | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| City | Dallas | Local services, zoning, parks |
| County | Dallas County | Courts, elections, health services |
| State | Texas | Education, highways, state laws |
| Federal | United States | National defense, healthcare, Social Security |
forms of local government
Most U.S. cities use one of several forms of government. The two most common are Council-Manager and Mayor-Council.
- Council-Manager
- Mayor-Council
- Commission
- Town Meeting
Who Runs My City?
| Official | Main Job |
|---|---|
| Mayor | Represents the city and helps lead government |
| City Council | Passes laws and approves the budget |
| City Manager | Runs the city’s daily operations |
How Decisions are made
- Residents vote
- City Council meets
- Public Comment
- Council votes
- City departments carry out the decision
common government terms
What is an ordinance?
A local law passed by City Council.
What is a municipal charter?
The document that explains how a city government is organized.
What is a quorum?
The minimum number of members needed to hold an official meeting.
What is a public comment?
A time when residents can speak to elected officials before decisions are made.