Chapter 5 – How Government Is Organized

Before we learn about local government specifically, let’s do a refresher on how government is organized in the United States.

The organization of government serves a critical purpose: to ensure that power is distributed, responsibilities are clearly defined, and citizens’ rights are protected. Understanding how government is structured at different levels—federal, state, and local—will help you grasp how public policies are created and implemented, and the career opportunities you have.