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FAST FACTS FOR SMART ACTION
FAST FACTS FOR SMART ACTION
What is Government, Really?
What is Government, Really?
Government isn’t just Washington, D.C. It’s your city council, your school board, your statehouse. Understanding how it works helps you change it.
Levels of Government
Levels of Government
Local
Local
Examples: School board, mayor, city council.
What they do: Trash collection, school funding, parks.
State
State
Examples: Governor, legislature.
What they do: Education laws, drivers' licenses, public health.
Federal
Federal
Examples: Congress, the president, the courts.
What they do: Immigration, foreign policy, national taxes.
Branches of Government
Branches of Government
Legislative
Legislative
Who is in it: Congress (Senate + House).
What they do: Make laws.
Executive
Executive
Who is in it: President, governor, mayor.
What they do: Enforce laws.
Judicial
Judicial
Who is in it: Courts, Supreme Court.
What they do: Interpret laws.
How a Bill Becomes a Law (Simplified)
How a Bill Becomes a Law (Simplified)
A bill is introduced in Congress
It goes to the committee, then gets debated
Both chambers must pass it
The president signs it (or vetoes it)
If vetoed, Congress can override with a 2/3 vote
Tip: Start local. You’re more likely to make an impact on your city or school board than on Congress.
Tip: Start local. You’re more likely to make an impact on your city or school board than on Congress.
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