Local Government Basics for Students

In the mid-90’s, the Institute collaborated with a number of organizations to develop a series of curriculum materials for educators to use in teaching their students about local government.

Picture Yourself in Local Government Student Guide - A student guide for 5th through 12th grade levels covering the history, organization and people involved in California local governments.  Each chapter includes student and class activities, thought-provoking questions designed to check student understanding, and a comprehensive vocabulary guide.

Introduction
Unit One - History: Where Did Our Local Governments Come From?
Unit Two - Structure: How Are Local Governments Organized?
Unit Three - Players: Who Are The Players In Local Government And How Can You Get Involved?
Unit Four - Services: What Does Our Local Government Do For Us?
Unit Five - Finances: How Do We Pay For Government Services?
Unit Six - Citizen Participation: Your Government: You Make The Choices
Glossary

The Institute also has a colorful cityscape poster highlighting a wide array of local agency activities captures the vitality and complexities that are an essential part of students’ daily lives.