1. The Important Book of Government
Written by: Joy Greenwood, Michele Menton and Helen Matthews
Adapted for Everett by: K. Gooding

2. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
After the Revolutionary War, the United States of America needed to decide what kind of government would be best for their new country.
In 1787, delegates, or leaders from the states met in Philadelphia to create a new government. At this convention, or meeting, the United States Constitution was written. The Constitution states the laws and outlines a plan for how the government works.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

3. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
The delegates decided a democracy, or a country whose government gets its power from the people would be best. They finally agreed that the United States citizens would elect leaders to run the government. Our U.S. government is therefore called a democratic republic.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

4. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
The Constitution, ratified on June 21, 1788 divided the government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

5. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Many people felt the Constitution did not adequately protect the freedom and rights of American citizens. A group of people insisted that a bill of rights be included in the Constitution.
The House of Representatives wrote the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. An amendment is an addition. These amendments are called the Bill of Rights. All ten amendments deal with the protection of individual rights.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

6. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Since the signing of the Constitution, the division of power in the United States has been based on sharing power between the national government and individual state governments.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

7. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Each state has its own constitution based on its unique history, needs, philosophy, and geography. A state's constitution is similar to that of the national Constitution; however, the laws made in individual states cannot conflict with the national Constitution or national laws. The national Constitution is "the supreme law of the land."
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

8. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
The Constitution created three branches of government. One of the three branches of our national government is the legislative branch, called Congress. Congress has two parts, the House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate.
American citizens elect members of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.
Congress is responsible for making laws about money and taxes in the United States. It can create an army, navy or other armed forces. Only Congress can declare war.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

9. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Executive
Legislative
Judicial
Just like that of the national government, each state's constitution separates power between three branches -- legislative, judicial, and executive.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

10. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Representative Mike Sells
Representative John McCoy
Senator
Jean Berkey
In most states, the legislative branch contains two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In Washington, there are 2 representatives and 1 senator for each of the 49 legislative districts.
They work in committees to determine taxes, how money should be spent and pass laws.
But the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.

11. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
The second branch of the state government is the judicial branch. The justices make up this branch and are responsible for helping citizens understand the laws of the state. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state.
There are 9 Supreme Court justices. A justice must be elected by the people. A Supreme Court justice interprets the laws and makes sure they are all constitutional.
But, the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of the government comes from the people.

12. The important thing about our American democracy is that the power of government comes from the people.
Another branch of state government is the executive branch. The leader of the executive branch is the Governor.
The governor is head of the executive branch and is also the commander in chief of the state’s military. The governor also signs or vetoes bills, submits budget recommendations, and can appoint people to some government jobs.
If anything happens to the governor, the lieutenant governor takes the governor’s place.
Governor
Chris Gregoire
But, the important thing about our American democracy is that the power of the government comes from the people.