The Legal, Fiscal, and Operational Relationship between State and Local Government

Students will complete this lesson and be able to compare and contrast the workings of state and local government through the lens of the legal, fiscal and operational relationships. Students will see how these relationships and differing structures impact Tennesseans. The lesson can be adaptable to any county or city.

Weblink address (URL):

Home Page- source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

In the course of the lesson, students will…

Identify state and local laws and their influence on its citizens.
Explain the operational structures in state and local governments.
Critique the impact of fiscal responsibility in state and local governments on its citizens.

Essential and guiding questions:

How does the role of the state and local government differ as it relates to laws, fiscal responsibilities, and day-to-day operations?
How does state and local government impact Tennesseans?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Applying

Extension suggestions:

This assignment could be completed in class or as homework. Give students the scavenger hunt worksheet for both the state and local government websites. Have students answer the questions to help them research how government works on their behalf. The worksheet may need to be adjusted depending on the structure and information available from your local government’s website.
Option for extension: Invite state legislators or local elected officials to come speak to the classroom about their role in government.

Helpful Hints

Materials Needed:

Internet access for students
Tennessee Blue Book (PDFs provided)
- pgs. viii – ix, graphic organizer for state government
- pgs. 687-710, Constitution of the State of Tennessee
Copies of interactive handout (attached)
Optional: copies of scavenger hunt handout (attached)