Lesson 8: Creating your own Government (State & City)

Civic Simulation Project: Design Your Own Government!

Project Goal:

You will design a fictional community and create a realistic system of government that includes state, county, and municipal levels (with an optional tribal component). You’ll show how these governments serve their people, cooperate to solve problems, and encourage community involvement.

Part 1: Give your community a personality:

• Name your city or town

• Decide its type: city, town, village, or rural area

• Describe its population, location, and major industries or issues

Part 2: Build the Government Structures

🟣 State Government (based on what states do)

• Who is the governor? What does this person do?

• What kinds of laws or taxes does your state have? Give at least 2 examples

• What services or responsibilities are handled at the state level?

🔵 County Government

• Choose a structure: Commission only, Commission + Administrator, or Commission + Executive

• List 3 departments or services your county government provides (like public health, courts, elections)

• Describe one county budget challenge (like an unfunded mandate or budget shortfall)

🟢 Municipal Government (your city/town)

• Choose a government type: Mayor-Council, Council-Manager, Town Meeting, etc.

• Name the mayor or city manager and list 3 services they oversee (zoning, utilities, police, etc.)

• Explain how your city gets money (taxes, fees, grants, etc.)

Part 3: Create a Tax Policy Solution

Choose one challenge your city faces and propose a realistic tax-based solution that helps solve it.

Answer these questions:

1. What is the problem?

2. What type of tax will you create or adjust? (sales, property, income, sin tax, fee, etc.)

3. What is your policy goal? (Ex: Raise money for schools, reduce pollution, attract businesses)

4. How will this tax impact the community both positively and negatively?

Part 4: Civic Engagement Planl

Be sure to include:

• At least 3 ways people can get involved (vote, run for office, attend meetings, etc.)

• Why local government matters

Part 5: Put it all together

Choose a format:

• A poster or slideshow

• A brochure, infographic, or digital map

• A creative alternative

You will post the poster around the room as a gallery walk to share your work.