How are Florida’s state and local governments structured?
SS.4.C.3.2
Distinguish between state (governor, state representatives, or senator) and local government
(mayor, city commissioner).
http://floridamemory.com
LAFS.4.SL.1.2 – Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats,
including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
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SS.4.C.3.2
Distinguish between state (governor, state representatives, or senator) and local government (mayor, city
commissioner).
Correlated Florida Standards (See Full Text on Cover Page)
 LAFS.4.SL.1.2
Essential Question
How are Florida’s state and local governments structured?
Learning Goals/Objectives
 Students will understand the different positions and functions of state and local governments.
 Students will complete a Venn diagram to demonstrate comprehension.
Overview
Students will receive direct instruction on state and local governments through a teacher-led PowerPoint
presentation and will complete a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the two levels of government.
Materials
 Internet access to project a map of Florida
 State and Local Government Venn Diagram
 State and Local Government PowerPoint (begins on page 5)
Time
 15-20 minutes
Activity Sequence
INTRODUCTION/HOOK
1. Project a map of Florida, http://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/states/florida/ and post the following question
for discussion: What do you think are the similarities and differences between Florida’s state and local
governments?
2. Point to the state capital of Florida (Tallahassee) and point to the relative location of the city where the
school is located.
ACTIVITY
3. Pass out the State and Local Government Venn Diagram and project the State and Local Government
PowerPoint presentation (begins on page 5).
4. Explain to students they will complete the diagram to identify the similarities and differences between
state and local governments in Florida.
5. Share the presentation with the students and complete the Venn diagram as a whole class. Teacher Note:
Be sure that the Venn diagram includes the titles of government officials at each level of government.
CLOSURE
6. Provide students with the following writing prompt to complete as an exit slip: Using the information you
gathered on your Venn diagram, explain one similarity and one difference between Florida’s state and
local governments.
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State and Local Government Venn Diagram
Directions: For each level of government list the differences under each heading and list similarities between the levels of government in the
center.
State Government
Local Government
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State and Local Government Venn Diagram – Answer Key
Directions: For each level of government list the differences under each heading and list similarities between the levels of government in the
center.
State Government
Both
Local Government
County and city governments
Governor – makes sure all laws are put into place
Executive Branch
House of Representatives (state representatives)
& Senate (senators) – pass laws
Legislative Branch – make laws
Florida Supreme Court – make decisions about
state laws
Judicial Branch, courts
Mayor
City Council or Council Commissioner - make
laws called ordinances
Municipal courts
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