2. ASSESSING
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Could your state pass a law
setting requirements for
becoming a citizen of the
United States? Explain.

Levels of Government
The United States has a federal system of government. In this
system, government power is divided between the federal, or
national, government and state governments. In each state,
local governments run towns, cities, and counties.
The national government has the highest level of authority
over U.S. citizens. It sets the basic rules for citizenship, and it
makes and enforces laws for the entire country. A state or
local government cannot make any laws that would go against
the laws of the national government or the US, Constitution
Each state government makes laws and decides matters for
the people of that state. States set rules for education,
organize elections, oversee public health, and build public
facilities such as roads. States also have the power to set up
local governments in counties, cities, and towns. Local
governments establish schools, provide police and fire
departments, and organize local court systems. They also
must obey the laws or authority of the national government.