1. Government Information about the United States and Michigan Government The White House Michigan State Capital

2. Common Good Americans believe it is important to work for the common good. The common good means to work for what is best for all people. Different people have differing ideas about what the common good. One of the jobs of Michigan’s government is to help decide what is best when people cannot agree. Responsible citizens learn what is happening in the government. Before they vote, they learn about the people who want to be their leaders. People choose leaders who share their values and this is done by voting. It also shows patriotism which is the love of ones country.

3. Representative Government Our government is a republic. In a republic the power is held by the people. The people give power to leaders who they elect to elect them. This is called a representative government. If the representatives don’t do their job well, the people will not re-elect them. Representatives and Senators represent people in the Michigan government.

4. U. S. has 3 levels of government. National Government- this is the government for the whole country. State Governments- each of our 50 states has a state government. Local Governments- each community in our country has its own local government.

5. Michigan State Laws The state makes laws which affect everyone in Michigan. Here are some examples: -marriage -adoption -motorcycle helmets -bridges -state highways -police -state parks

6. Local Governments Local governments make laws which affect all people in their community/city (Dearborn, Detroit and many more). Here are some examples: -fences -garage sales -roads -police -pets -street lights -fire stations