Civic Education
Being informed is one of the first steps to becoming a global citizen. The systems and issues are complex; don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek answers.
Whether you’re looking to find more information on the upcoming election, discover the issues, or understand the logistics of elections, we have resources for you.
Government 101
“We the people…” are the famous first words of the US Constitution, but rarely do people know what is included beyond that opening line. The US Constitution is the supreme law of the United States and outlines the national frame of our government – the Legislative Branch, Executive Branch, and Judicial Branch.
- Did you know that there’s a recognized day set aside to encourage others to learn and celebrate the Constitution? This year Constitution Day is on September 17th!
- To be more in the know about what it says, you can read it here.
There is also Individual State Constitutions that help lay the foundation for each state’s law. Though many state constitutions are quite similar to the United States Constitution, there are differences and nuances in each state. Another reason why being an informed voter and participating in local elections is key to making changes in our communities! Please find your state’s constitution below for reference.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
In short, the Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments of the US Constitution. Several of the rights and freedoms Americans value—such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process of law—were not recognized in the original Constitution drafted at the 1787 Philadelphia Convention, but were later included in the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.
Here’s a video explanation from The National Constitution Center to learn more!
Made up of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the US Senate, gathering in the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., is the US Congress. This is the federal legislative body of the United States. Essentially, these elected officials (Representatives and Senates) are the ones creating and shaping our federal laws that impact us today.
- President of the United States
- The head of the Executive Branch of the United States government acts as the head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. A president is elected by the Electoral College and serves a term of four years. The specific powers designated to the Office of the President are listed in Section II of the United States Constitution.
- United States Senator
- U.S. Senators are elected for six year terms. There are 100 Senators – two elected per state. Along with the House of Representatives, the Senate makes up the Congress where bills become law. The powers of Congress are outlined in Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution.
- United States Representative
- U.S. Representatives (435 total) are elected for two year terms, representing a specific congressional district. Along with the House of Representatives, the Senate makes up the Congress where bills become law. The powers of Congress are outlined in Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution.
- Governor
- The role of the governor is similar to the role of the President but on the state-level. The office is elected to a term of four years. As head of the state executive branch, the Governor signs legislation into law and oversees the state budget. For more information on the powers of the Governor, visit your state’s Constitution. In the Indiana Constitution, the powers of the Governor can be found in Article Five.
- State Senator
- The length of term for a state senator varies by state. Visit your local state constitution for specific powers of your state senators. In Indiana, senators are elected to terms of four years.
- State Representative
- The length of term for a state senator varies by state. Visit your local state constitution for specific powers of your state representatives. In Indiana, representatives are elected to terms of two years.
- County Treasurer
- The County Treasurer, which is sometimes also called the Tax Collector or Tax Commissioner, is responsible for collecting the county taxes, distributing funds, maintaining financial records, and a few other financial tasks for each county. In some states this position is appointed, however in most it is an elected position.
- County Coroner
- The duties of a county coroner include identification of the deceased, a determination of the cause of death, and a determination of the manner of death.
- County Surveyor
- The role of county surveyor can vary slightly depending on the state, however the general duty is to make land surveys to determine boundary lines and maintain a legal survey book.
- Township Board Member
- The township board has many duties. Some of the most important duties include advising the trustee on matters pertaining to the residents, reviewing and approving the annual report by the township trustee, and resolving tie votes in township offices.