Your Representatives in Government & How You Can Be Involved

For citizens to participate in their representative government, they must know who represents them and what they have done in elected office. In this activity, as part of the study of Tennessee government, students will learn how a citizen can locate information about their representatives, what actions their elected officials have taken, and how citizens can play an important role in the decision making process. 

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

In the course of the lesson, students will…

  • Identify their elected officials and identify what bills their representation sponsored during the current or previous legislative session.
  • Describe specific ways individuals serve their communities and responsibly participate in society and the political process.
  • Explain the tools citizens have available to monitor and influence state government. 
Essential and guiding questions: 
  • How does a citizen identify their state representation?
  • How does a citizen learn about the positions and actions of their representation?
  • What can a citizen do to influence or change the positions of their representation?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

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:

  • Tennessee Blue Books (PDFs provided)
    • pgs. 2 – 167, State Legislators
    • pgs. 204 – 208, Governor
    • pgs. 449 – 490, Courts
    • pgs. 166 – 167, House District Map
    • pg. 52, Senate District Map
  • Student internet access
  • Handout (see below)
  • Possible web site bookmarks: