State and Local Governments Answers

Which scenario is an example of different levels of government working together to solve a problem?

Read the passage about a problem one community faced.In 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan, was low on funds. To cut costs, local government leaders decided to stop getting treated water from Detroit’s water supply system. Instead, the city pumped water from the polluted Flint River using old lead pipes. The city did not test or treat the water sufficiently. This resulted in dirty, foul-tasting water that presented a major health risk.The city’s citizens, the majority of whom were African American, complained to the city government. However, their complaints were ignored. City and state officials continued to downplay the seriousness of the situation. Finally, citizens and activists banded together to sue city and state officials in an effort to fix the problem. The court sided with the citizens. Over time, the situation began to improve, and now Flint residents have safe water.

Which level of government is responsible for registering voters, counting ballots, and setting up polling places for most elections?

Which service is the responsibility of a local government?

Which local form of government most likely would be responsible for maintaining a forest preserve?

Read the scenario.A town called Waverly has a large Chinese American community. Members of the neighborhood would like to hold a parade and festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Read the scenario.Parents in Franklin would like the city to establish a new middle school. They want it to be built in a neighborhood that has a diverse population of Black, Latinx, and Southeast Asian families. Some of the residents are immigrants who have recently arrived in the country. Parents believe building a new school will provide additional educational opportunities for students in the area. They also would like the school to have STEM-based learning, which means it would focus on science, technology, math, and engineering.

Which idea is an example of voter suppression?

Read the scenario.A city places a tax on the plastic bags customers use for their store purchases. The state legislature responds by passing a bill that outlaws taxes on plastic bags, and the governor signs the bill into law.