How City and County Governments Work — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.CIV.1.3-5
D2.CIV.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. History reading passage introduces students to the roles of city and county governments in California, explaining how these local governments help communities. Students will learn about the responsibilities of mayors, city councils, and county supervisors, as well as how they work to solve problems and make important decisions. The passage uses a clear, chronological structure to show how city and county governments were formed and how they operate today. Key vocabulary words are highlighted and explained in a glossary to support literacy development. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer for deeper understanding. This resource aligns with C3 and Common Core standards and includes a Spanish translation and read aloud audio, making it accessible for diverse learners. Perfect for building foundational knowledge of civic systems and California history, this passage helps students connect the past to their own local communities.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Los Angeles City Council, 1989" by Los Angeles Police Department.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

City and county governments help run our local communities in California and across the United States. Every city and county has leaders and groups who make decisions to keep their areas safe, clean, and fair. Without these local governments, it would be hard for people to have clean water, safe streets, or good parks.

City governments usually include a mayor and a city council. The mayor is often chosen by the people through an election. The mayor works with the city council to make rules called ordinances. These rules help keep people safe and the city running smoothly. For example, a city council might pass an ordinance to make sure parks are open and clean.

County governments are a little different. A county is a larger area that might include many cities and towns. County governments have a group of leaders called supervisors. They make decisions for the whole county. County governments take care of big things, like hospitals, courts, and roads that go between cities. They also help run schools and libraries.

Sometimes, city and county governments work together to solve problems. If there is a fire, both city firefighters and county emergency teams might help. During an emergency, city mayors and county supervisors talk to each other and make plans.

People in the community can help, too. Anyone can go to a city council meeting and share their ideas or worries. Leaders listen to these ideas when making their decisions. This process is called public participation. In California, city and county governments also work with the state government to follow state laws and rules.

Over time, city and county governments have changed to meet new needs. In the past, only a few people could vote for leaders. Now, all adults can vote and help choose leaders. This change has made local government more fair and open to everyone.

City and county governments work hard to make life better for everyone. They fix roads, keep parks safe, and make sure schools are good places to learn. When leaders and community members work together, the whole community is stronger.

Interesting Fact: The first city council in Los Angeles was formed in 1850, soon after California became a state!

Who leads a city government?

MayorGovernorPresidentSupervisor

What do city councils create?

OrdinancesRoadsHospitalsSchools

When was Los Angeles' first city council formed?

1850190017762000

Why do city and county leaders work together?

Solve problemsBuild housesPlant treesSell food

How do people share ideas with leaders?

Attend meetingsSend letters onlyStay homeCall the police

What is a county?