This worksheet asks you to collect real information about your own county’s government. Since I don’t know which county you live in, I can’t fill it out for you — but I’ll show you exactly how to do it yourself, step by step.
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Step 1: Find Your County Name
Look at your address or ask a parent/guardian. For example: “Los Angeles County” or “Cook County”.
→ Write that in the first box under “Basic Information”.
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Step 2: Get Info from Official Sources
Go to your county’s official website (like www.yourcountygov.org) or call their main office. You can also use Google and type:
“[Your County Name] county government facts”
You need to find:
- Population (with date of census — usually 2020)
- Was population up or down since last time?
- Date founded (when the county was created)
- Size in square miles
- Is it rural, urban, or suburban?
- Major employers (big companies, hospitals, universities, etc.)
Example: If you live in Maricopa County, AZ → population ~4.4 million (2020), founded 1871, size 9,224 sq mi, mostly urban/suburban, major employers include Banner Health, Intel, Arizona State University.
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Step 3: The Government Section
Find:
- Website address (URL) — e.g., www.maricopa.gov
- What kind of structure? Most counties have a Board of Supervisors + elected officials like Sheriff, Clerk, Treasurer.
- How many departments? Usually 10–30 (like Public Works, Health, Parks, Courts, etc.)
- Budget: Look for “Annual Budget” on the website. It will list Revenue (money coming in) and Spending (money going out). Example: Revenue $15 billion, Spending $14.8 billion.
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Step 4: In the News
Search “[Your County Name] county government news today”
Pick one recent headline — like “County Approves New Park Funding” or “Sheriff Announces Community Safety Program”
Write that headline here.
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Step 5: Contact Information
Find the main phone number or email for general inquiries — often listed as “Contact Us” on the county website.
Example: (602) 506-XXXX or
[email protected]
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✔ Now go do this with YOUR county! Use the steps above. Fill each box with real data you found. Don’t guess — look it up!
Final Answer:
[Student must complete this worksheet using their own county’s real information following the steps above.]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of civics worksheet high school.
