Lesson 3: California's Local Governments

Key Idea

California is a very large state, so it is divided into 58 smaller areas called counties. This structure helps manage the state and provide services to people where they live. Each county acts as a local branch of the state government.

An elected group called the Board of Supervisors governs each county. This board is in charge of important community needs. It makes sure people have access to health services, police protection from the sheriff's department, and help during emergencies.

Key Idea

As communities grow, people may want more control over local services like police and trash removal. To get this control, a community can form its own city government.

A city council is an elected group of people who make laws and decisions for the city. They listen to the people in the community to understand what is needed.

Key Idea

Native American communities have their own special governments on their lands, called reservations. These are known as tribal governments, and they have the right to make their own rules for their people.

A tribal council is a group of leaders who are chosen to make laws for their community. They work to keep their people safe and help the community grow, just like a city council or Congress does.

Key Idea

Communities create a special type of local government just for their public schools. This is called a school district. Its only job is to make sure students get a good education.

Voters in the district elect a group of leaders called a school board. The school board sets rules and manages the money for all the schools in the area.