chapter 1 Government in the United States Citizens of the United States have certain rights and privileges that are protected by government bodies at three different levels federal state and local The federal government is the biggest and most powerful It resides and operates primarily out of our nation’s capital Washington D C and creates laws and maintains services that impact the country as a whole For example the federal government is charged with protecting America’s borders and fending off foreign invaders It makes treaties with other governments in hopes of maintaining peaceful and productive relations around the world Uncle Sam does a whole slew of other things too including printing money collecting taxes running the national parks and providing social services 4 21st century skills library
Congress meets in the United States Capitol 5 5
Drivers apply for licenses through their states 66
Each state sets its own speed limits You are also a resident of one of the 50 states and have to follow the laws that your state government creates You might live in a state with a big population like California or in a state with relatively few people such as New Mexico or Montana State governments do not have all the same powers as the federal government A state can’t declare war on a foreign nation or print money for example But it does have other unique responsibilities It issues licenses for activities such as driving hunting and operating a business A state also decides everyday laws such as the speed limits on major roadways State 7 A CITIZEN’S GUIDE
