As part of the Ripken Foundation’s Healthy Choices, Healthy Children curriculum, we try to teach at-risk youth the importance of civil leadership. It is important that as a citizen of the United States, you are familiar with our elected officials at every level. From the President of the United States to your local Councilman/Councilwoman, each member of the U.S. government has an important job to keep you and your community safe and healthy.
Why is it important to have a basic understanding of our government? Even though you must be 18 to vote in the United States, you are able to contact government officials to voice issues affecting your community at any age.
This activity will help you learn the names, faces, and jobs of members of the U.S. government at every level. First, try to answer the questions on your own. Then, you may look online or ask an adult to check your answers.
Federal Government:
1) Who is the President of the United States?
2) Who are your state’s two Senators in the U.S. Senate?
3) How many Congressmen/Congresswomen represent your state in the House of Representatives? What are their names?
State Government:
4) Who is your state Governor?
5) Who is the Congressperson for your congressional district? (Hint: it is one of the names from question #3)
6) Name two members of your State Senate.
Local Government:
7) Do you have a Mayor or County Executive? If so, what is his/her name?
8) Can you name any of your local Councilmen or Councilwomen?
Review:
How many of these questions could you answer on your own?
What are some ways you can communicate with your local government officials about issues in your community? What would you want them to know?