Government Basics — Answer Key
Part A: Sort the Words
Sort each word or number into the correct category box.
1. Sort each leader or group into Local or National government.
Local
MayorCity CouncilTown PoliceCity Hall National
PresidentCongressSupreme CourtWhite House Different levels of government handle different jobs, from local streets to national laws.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The leader of a city or town is called the mayor.
The mayor leads a city and helps run local services like parks and trash pickup.
2. The leader of the whole country is the President.
The President leads the country and works with Congress to make national choices.
3. The group that makes laws for the whole country is Congress.
Congress meets in Washington and writes laws that apply across the United States.
4. The group that makes local rules for a city is the city council.
The city council works with the mayor to make rules for the town.
5. The President lives and works in the White House.
The White House in Washington, D.C. is where the President lives and works.
Part C: True or False?
Read each statement. Circle True or False.
1. The mayor leads the whole country.
True False
The mayor leads a city or town, while the President leads the country.
2. Congress makes laws for the whole nation.
True False
Congress writes national laws that all states must follow.
3. A city council helps run a local town.
True False
City councils are local groups that make rules for their own city.
4. The President is a local leader.
True False
The President leads the whole country, not just one city or town.