Government Offices & Elected Roles

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Federal Government Roles

 

President & Vice President

• Lead the executive branch

• Enforce federal laws

• Oversee national defense, foreign policy, and federal agencies

 

U.S. Senators

• Two per state

• Serve six‑year terms

• Approve treaties, confirm federal judges, and vote on national laws

 

U.S. Representatives

• Number per state is based on population

• Serve two‑year terms

• Create and vote on federal laws, represent districts

 

Federal Agencies & Offices

Examples include:

• Department of Education

• Department of Transportation

• Social Security Administration

• Environmental Protection Agency

These agencies carry out federal laws and programs.

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🗽 State Government Roles

 

Governor

• Leads the state’s executive branch

• Signs or vetoes state laws

• Oversees state agencies and budgets

 

Lieutenant Governor

• Second‑in‑command

• Duties vary by state (may preside over the state senate or step in for the governor)

 

State Senators & State Representatives

• Make state laws

• Approve state budgets

• Represent districts within the state

 

Attorney General

• State’s top legal officer

• Enforces state laws and protects consumers

 

Secretary of State

• Oversees elections, business registrations, and official state records

 

State Agencies

Examples:

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

• Department of Health

• Department of Education

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🏙️ Local Government Roles

 

Local government includes counties, cities, towns, and villages.  Responsibilities vary by community size.

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Mayor

• Leads the city or town government

• Oversees local services like police, fire, and public works

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City or Town Council

• Pass local laws (ordinances)

• Approve budgets

• Represent neighborhoods or districts

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County Executive / County Legislature

• Manage county‑wide services

• Oversee public health, social services, and county roads

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Sheriff

• Elected law‑enforcement officer at the county level

• Runs the county jail and provides policing in rural areas

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Clerk / Registrar

• Handles records like marriage licenses, deeds, and local elections

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School Board Members

• Oversee public schools

• Approve curriculum, budgets, and district policies

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🧭 Who Does What? (Quick Guide)

Role                                             Level                             What They Do

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President                                                          Federal                                            Leads the nation and enforces federal laws

Governor                                                          State                                                  Leads the state and manages state agencies

Mayor                                                                  Local                                                 Manages city or town services

U.S. Senator                                                    Federal                                            Votes on national laws and confirms appointments

U.S. Representative                                 Federal                                            Creates and votes on federal laws

State Legislators                                        State                                                 Create state laws and approve state budgets

County Officials                                          Local                                                 Manage county services and programs

School Board                                                 Local                                                 Oversees public schools

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📣 Why This Matters

 

Knowing who represents you — and what they’re responsible for — helps you:

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• Get help with services

• Report issues

• Influence decisions

• Vote with confidence

• Hold leaders accountable

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Civics starts with knowing who works for you.

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