1.
capitol: The building where leaders meet to make the laws.
2.
council: A group of officials who make the rules or laws. Citizens elect the city council.
3.
county: An area of the state that includes several cities and towns.
4.
direct democracy: A government in which citizens meet to govern themselves. The citizens vote directly for leaders and on issues.
5.
election: The process by which citizens vote for people to represent them.
6.
executive branch: The part of national government headed by the President and carries out the laws. It is the 2nd branch of government.
7.
governor: The head of the state's second branch of government.
8.
judicial branch: The part of government that decides what laws mean and whether laws obey the Constitution.
9.
legislative branch: The lawmaking body of state or national government. It is the 1st branch of government.
10.
mayor: The leader of a community's government.
11.
monument: A building or statue that helps us remember a person or event.
12.
representative democracy: A government in which citizens choose other citizens to represent them.
13.
separation of powers: Power divided between the three branches of government.
14.
tax: Money citizens and others pay to the government. Houses, land, businesses, or goods you buy can be taxed.