In this Grade 3 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, students learn how California's state government is organized into three branches — the legislative, executive, and judicial branches — and explore the roles of key figures like the governor and the state legislature. Students also discover how local governments work, including the roles of mayors, city councils, and county charters. The lesson is part of Chapter 4 and builds foundational civics vocabulary including legislature, governor, charter, and council.
Section 1
Californians Write Rules for Statehood
The Gold Rush brought so many people to California that it needed a government right away.
In 1849, leaders from different backgrounds met in Monterey to write a plan for how to run the new state.
Section 2
Leaders Divide Government Power
To keep the government fair, its power is divided into three parts. This important idea is called the separation of powers. It makes sure that no single person or group has too much control.
Each part, or branch, has a special job. The legislative branch makes the laws. The executive branch carries out the laws. The judicial branch, which includes courts and judges, interprets the laws and acts like a referee.
Section 3
Local Governments Serve Communities
Your community, like a city or town, has its own government. This is called the local government, and it helps run the place where you live.
This government provides services you use every day. It runs your local parks, libraries, and fire departments. It also makes sure you have police officers to keep you safe.
Section 4
Governments Provide Services with Tax Money
Every level of government provides helpful things for its community. These are called government services. These services include building roads, running schools and libraries, and paying for police and firefighters to keep people safe.
To pay for these services, governments collect money from people and businesses. This money is called taxes.
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Section 1
Californians Write Rules for Statehood
The Gold Rush brought so many people to California that it needed a government right away.
In 1849, leaders from different backgrounds met in Monterey to write a plan for how to run the new state.
Section 2
Leaders Divide Government Power
To keep the government fair, its power is divided into three parts. This important idea is called the separation of powers. It makes sure that no single person or group has too much control.
Each part, or branch, has a special job. The legislative branch makes the laws. The executive branch carries out the laws. The judicial branch, which includes courts and judges, interprets the laws and acts like a referee.
Section 3
Local Governments Serve Communities
Your community, like a city or town, has its own government. This is called the local government, and it helps run the place where you live.
This government provides services you use every day. It runs your local parks, libraries, and fire departments. It also makes sure you have police officers to keep you safe.
Section 4
Governments Provide Services with Tax Money
Every level of government provides helpful things for its community. These are called government services. These services include building roads, running schools and libraries, and paying for police and firefighters to keep people safe.
To pay for these services, governments collect money from people and businesses. This money is called taxes.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter