Here are examples for each category on the brainstorming worksheet about Massachusetts government:
1.
Something that local tax dollars paid for:
* Your local public school or library.
* Trash collection and recycling services.
* Maintenance of neighborhood parks and playgrounds.
* Local police and fire departments.
2.
Something that you might find only in Massachusetts:
* The Freedom Trail in Boston.
* Cape Cod National Seashore.
* Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox).
* Plymouth Rock.
3.
Something that must be inspected by a state official or by an agent of the state:
* Restaurants and food establishments (health inspections).
* Motor vehicles (annual safety and emissions inspections).
* Elevators in public buildings.
* Liquor stores and bars.
4.
Something that is monitored or checked by your municipality:
* Building permits and construction codes.
* Zoning laws (what can be built where).
* Noise ordinances and parking regulations.
* Local business licenses.
5.
Something that Massachusetts state law requires:
* Wearing a seatbelt while driving.
* Children under 8 years old must use a car seat or booster.
* Carrying auto insurance if you own a vehicle.
* Attending school until age 16.
6.
Something that is required by Federal law:
* Paying federal income taxes.
* Obeying speed limits on interstate highways.
* Having a valid passport for international travel.
* Following FDA food safety standards.
7.
Someone who is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
* Doctors, nurses, and dentists.
* Teachers and school administrators.
* Lawyers and judges.
* Plumbers and electricians.
* Real estate agents.
8.
Something that is registered with your local municipality:
* Your dog (dog license).
* Your car (vehicle registration and excise tax).
* Firearms (in some cities/towns).
* New businesses operating in town.
9.
Something you must do that is required by Massachusetts state law:
* Vote in elections if you are a registered citizen (civic duty, though not legally mandatory to cast a ballot, jury duty is mandatory).
* Serve on a jury if summoned.
* Report suspected child abuse or neglect (for certain professionals).
* Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
10.
Something in your community that is overseen by the federal government:
* The local post office (USPS).
* Airports and air traffic control (FAA).
* National parks or historic sites (NPS).
* Interstate highways and bridges (Federal Highway Administration).
* Social Security Administration offices.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of local government worksheet.
