Our Government System

Do you remember that a system is a group of parts that work together to perform a function or job? Our country has a system that keeps us safe, and it is called our government. Many years ago, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written to be a part of our government system.

The Constitution is a document that was prepared by our forefathers that acts as a list of rules for the American people. Did you know the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787? It still governs our country today!

The Bill of Rights is a document that was prepared by our forefathers that lists the rights of the American people. The Bill of Rights is the first ten Amendments to the Constitution of the United States.

Did you notice that the Constitution was written entirely by hand? The writers used a quill pen and ink to write it. It has 4,440 words in it. Today, due to our use of science and technology, our modern important documents are written on a computer.

Our government system does many other things besides make laws to keep us safe. Can you think of other things our government does for the people?

Our government system provides services like postal service, highway patrol, armed forces and much more!

Our government system provides public places such as libraries, schools, and parks that can be used by all people.

Our government system allows us to vote for chosen leaders in our country and changes in laws.

Since we have the right to vote, we elect or choose people to lead our city, state, and country. The people who vote for these elected officials are called citizens. A citizen is a person who is a member of a city, state, or country. In order to vote, a person must be at least 18 years old.

Our city government is led by the mayor who is elected by the citizens of the city. Our state government is led by the governor who is elected by the citizens of the state. Our national or federal government is led by the president who is elected by the citizens of the United States.

Can you name the person who holds the office of mayor for Plano? If you guessed Phil Dyer, you are right!

Who holds the office of governor for the state of Texas? If you guessed Rick Perry, you are right! Rick Perry, Governor

Who was elected by the citizens to be the president for the United States of America? If you guessed Barack Obama, you are right! Barack Obama, President

When you turn 18, you can exercise your right to vote. That means that you can vote for any person who is running for office in any election in your city, your state, or your country. Until then, keep learning about your government so that you can make wise choices when it is time for you to...