Lesson 3: Government and Citizenship

Just like the United States, California has its own Constitution. Both documents protect rights and divide power into three branches: Legislative (making laws), Executive (enforcing laws), and Judicial (interpreting laws).

However, the California Constitution is much longer and more detailed. While the U.S. President leads the nation, the Governor leads our state. This system ensures that power is shared and checked, preventing any one person from having too much control.

Government services are handled at different levels.

State Government: Manages big things like state highways, universities, and driver's licenses (DMV).

County Government: Runs public health, jails, and elections.

In California, citizens have unique powers. Through the initiative process, voters can write and pass their own laws directly, bypassing the legislature. Through the recall, they can remove an official from office early.

But being a good citizen is more than just voting. It also means civic participation: serving on a jury, attending school board meetings, or volunteering in the community. Democracy only works when people get involved.