PART I – INTRODUCTION

Part I of this textbook introduces the key concepts and structures of state and local government, focusing on their impact on our everyday lives. The chapters in this section explain why understanding state and local government is important, what government is meant to do, and how it is organized to serve and protect its citizens.   

Chapter 1 discusses why we should care about state and local government, highlighting how decisions made at these levels directly affect issues like education, public safety, and job opportunities. Chapter 2 explores the purpose of government and how it is structured in the United States, including the different roles of federal, state, and local governments. In Chapter 3, you will learn how to find your voice in the political process, including ways to make your opinions heard and actively participate in civic life.   

Chapter 4 focuses on the foundations of Ohio’s government, including its history, constitution, and the evolution of its political system. Finally, Chapter 5 examines voter behavior and Ohio’s two-party system, explaining how elections work at the state and local levels and how different factors influence voter decisions.

This introduction sets the stage for the rest of the textbook and gives you the tools you need to engage with your community and government in meaningful ways.

Above: The Ohio Statehouse, located in Columbus, serves as the seat of Ohio’s government, where legislators debate and enact state laws.