Community Government

Grade 2 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Learn how local governments help keep our communities safe, clean, and running smoothly.

A community is a place where people live, work, and play together. Every community has a government — a group of people who make rules and decisions to help everyone get along.

Local governments take care of things close to home. They make sure roads are safe, parks are clean, and that firefighters and police officers are ready to help. They also run schools, libraries, and community centers.

Most towns and cities are led by a mayor. The mayor is like the leader of the community. They work with a group called a city council. The city council is made up of people chosen by community members to help make decisions and write new rules called laws.

People in the community vote to choose their leaders. Voting means picking the person you think will do the best job. When you grow up, you can vote too!

Everyone in the community helps make it a great place to live. You can help by following rules, picking up litter, and being kind to your neighbors.

Key terms

community
A place where people live, work, and play together
government
A group of people who make rules and decisions for a community
mayor
The leader of a town or city government
city council
A group of people chosen to help make laws and decisions for a community
vote
To make a choice by marking a ballot or raising your hand
law
A rule that everyone in a community must follow

Flashcards

community
A place where people live, work, and play together
government
A group of people who make rules and decisions for a community
mayor
The leader of a town or city government
city council
A group of people chosen to help make laws for the community
vote
To make a choice, like picking a leader
law
A rule everyone in the community must follow
public services
Things the government provides for everyone, like fire stations and libraries

Questions

  1. Who is the leader of most towns and cities?

    1. The president
    2. The mayor
    3. A police officer
    4. A teacher
    Show answer

    Answer: The mayor

    The mayor is the leader of a town or city and works with the city council.

  2. A community government helps keep parks clean and roads safe.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    One of the main jobs of local government is to keep public spaces safe and clean.

  3. What is a city council?

    1. A group of teachers
    2. A type of school
    3. A group of people chosen to help make decisions for the community
    4. A sports team
    Show answer

    Answer: A group of people chosen to help make decisions for the community

    A city council is a group of elected people who help make rules and decisions for the community.

  4. A rule that everyone in a community must follow is called a ______.

    Show answer

    Answer: law

    A law is a rule made by the government that everyone in the community must follow.

  5. Only adults can help make their community a better place.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Children can also help their community by following rules, being kind, and picking up litter.

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