Our Government

Lets Explore Together! Hello! My name is Dudley. My owner is learning about governments in school and I want to help! Would you like to go on an adventure with me?

Mayor There are many types of government. People in cities elect a mayor, who leads the city government. Who is the mayor of Clearwater? Click on the picture below to discover!

Thats a lot of responsibility! Does he have any friends who help him? It looks like he needs it!

City Council Great question Dudley! The mayor does have people who help him. Im not sure if theyre as good of a friend as you are but the mayor couldnt do his job without them. The city council: Helps to make rules and laws Are elected by the citizens of the town The mayor and the city council must work together to get things done! Sound familiar?

Working together? Hmmm, it reminds me of…. Teachers and students Principals and teachers Classmates Families Shared responsibilities!

YES! They also provide services such as schools, libraries, policemen, firemen, and post offices. O.K., but how do we pay for the services? Do governments have other responsibilities besides making laws?

Paying for Services Im glad you asked Dudley! To pay for services, the government collects taxes. A tax is a fee citizens and others pay to the government. Taxes may be placed on houses, land, or businesses. Wow! Can you show me examples of services? SURE! Click on the dollar sign below!

Ben Franklin was a big help! Now I understand why taxes are important! Without them, we wouldnt have libraries, post offices, fire stations, or schools! Can you tell me what a governor is?

Governor States have a leader who makes sure the state laws are carried out. This leader is called a governor. Can you name the new governor of Florida? He was elected in 20

The governor of Florida is…. Rick Scott

Quick Facts Click on the picture below to learn some quick facts about Florida.

That was fun! I learned a lot about Florida. Now I have another question. Does the governor have a council who helps him like the mayor does? Or does he do the job all by himself?

The Governor has help. The state government has three branches just like the national government does. The three branches are: Legislative Executive Judicial The legislative branch are the lawmakers. The executive branch is the governor The judicial branch are the judges.

What types of services do the states provide? States provide services through special departments. Tax money is used on: Parks Highways and interstates State police The environment

O.K., so let me get this straight. The state governments have three branches just like the national government does. They are the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Right? Oh, no! Im confused! Dont worry Dudley. Press the help button to review.

I feel better now. Just to be sure, Ill read over my owners text book with him tonight. Thats showing responsibility! Good boy Dudley! Before you go, click on the liberty bell to explore some of our nations symbols and monuments.