Civics Today: Citizenship, Economics & You © 2008

Chapter 14: Local Government and Finances

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
North Carolina's local governments are sometimes referred to as "creatures of the state" because the General Assembly creates them and decides what authority and responsibility they have. City governments supply a variety of services to the people who live in them and to those who come to them to work or shop. In this lesson students will learn more about their own city's government.

Lesson Description
In this lesson students will start at the site of the United States Conference of Mayors. From here they will navigate to the Web site of their own city or one close to them. They will browse through the city's site and answer several questions about city government. Then they will write a speech about a local issue of concern to them personally.

1. The learner will be able to identify the type of government in his or her city.
2. The learner will be able to identify leaders in city government.
3. The learner will be able to write a persuasive speech.

Answers will vary according to the city the student chooses.