Government

Levels of Government

Government in the United States is separated into three levels: federal, state, and local.

The federal government deals with issues that affect the whole country. Examples are national security and the social security program.

State governments deal with issues that affect people in that state. For example, Louisiana is responsible for funding its EarlySteps program. EarlySteps provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

Local governments are town, city, and parish governments. They deal with issues that affect people in their area. For example, local school boards manage the schools in their area. And each parish is responsible for helping people evacuate during hurricanes and storms.

Branches of Government

Each level of government is divided into three branches (parts): executive, legislative, and judicial. The three branches of Louisiana’s state government have different responsibilities.

The Executive Branch makes sure laws and policies are carried out. It also runs state programs.

The Legislative Branch makes the laws, decides how to spend money, and oversees state programs.

The Judicial Branch makes decisions about what laws mean and whether they follow the Constitution when people have disagreements. It also resolves legal issues between people or groups.

Most advocacy is with the legislative and executive branches of government.