The Structure of Michigan's Government

Note that many lessons have fostered discussion amongst the teachers who have used them. You can join these discussions, and gain access to many additional features, just by signing up for an ePortfolio!

This lesson is most appropriate for High School classrooms.

Theme: How is Michigan's government structured

MCF Benchmark: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a federal system of government.

Other benchmarks this lesson targets include: none

Materials needed:

  • A Citizen's Guide to State Government (see link below)
  • Copies of the Michigan Constitution (see link below)
    (You may also obtain hard copies from your local State Representative--allow approx. 6 weeks for materials to arrive, so advance planning is recommended)

Methodological procedure:

Step One:

Review the concept of federalism with the students (see Download section for a downloadable PowerPoint on Federalism).

Step Two:

Have small groups of students use the Internet or hard copies* of Michigan's Constitution to examine the basic structure of Michigan's government and complete Handout A--Structure of the Michigan Legislature (see Download section for a reproducible copy of Handout A).

*Please Note: Hard copies of Michigan's Constitution may be ascertained from the school's State Representative by requesting copies in advance (request copies approx. 6 weeks prior to presenting the lesson)

Time Frame for Steps One and Two: One class period

Step Three:

Using the Internet or materials obtained from your county, township, city, or village clerk's office, have students determine who their local government officials are. See Web Links below entitled "Michigan Association of Counties: Michigan Townships Online" (see Download section below for Handout B, a reproducible template for students to complete this information).

Step Four:

As a class (the student will have to then follow this procedure on their own, so have a clear example)

  1. Brainstorm how the different levels of government affect an issue such as education
  2. Model research techniques for gathering necessary information
  3. Collaboratively fill out a graphic organizer (T-Chart) depicting the level of involvement state, county, and local governments each have with the issue (see Download section for a reproducible graphic organizer). Examples: Local SCHOOL BOARDS have some influence- what do they do? The MICHIGAN DEPT. OF EDUCATION is a state organization- what is its function? Where does the US DEPT. OF EDUCATION fit into all of this? [You may want to focus the discussion with specific questions such as 'Which level determines how many days students must be in school?' 'From where do schools receive funding?'] The web sites below will give you some good starting points.

Time Frame: 30 minutes

Author's notes:

Step Two:

If time is a factor, the worksheet could be jigsawed, i.e., different areas could be divided out amongst different groups and then the class could be brought back together to share findings.

Assessment strategies:

Students will individually follow the method used in class in Step 4; this time addressing either the issue of alcohol use or voting. Students will then take a position, supported with at least three valid arguments, on whether the balance of power between the state, county, and local governments is appropriate for this issue (see Download section for both a reproducible graphic organizer template and an assessment checklist).

Available downloads:

  • Federalism, (49 K)
    Brief PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of federalism, hierarchical structures, and powers of each level of government.
  • Handout B, (20 K)
    Worksheet for listing county and local offices and officials.
  • T-Chart for Assessments, (21 K)
    Reproducible handout for students to complete as an assessment tool.
  • Checklist for Assessment, (22 K)
    Reproducible checklist for teachers to use as a scoring tool.
  • Handout A--The Structure of Michigan's Handout, (61 K)
    Reproducible worksheet for students to use in conjunction with a copy of Michigan's Constitution and "A Citizen's Guide to State Government".
  • The Structure of Michigan's Government, (1 K)
    This is a movie meant to supplement this lesson. It includes interviews with government officials regarding the relevant topic.

Suggested web sites:

  • Michigan Constitution
    This is an online copy of Michigan's Constitution. Students may go to the appropriate sections to determine facts about how Michigan's government is structured.
  • A Citizen's Guide to State Government
    This is a helpful guide, particularly for accessing State legislators. Page thirteen is a helpful illustration depicting the structure of Michigan's government.
  • Townships Websites Online
    This will provide links to townships who have web sites listing their officials.
  • Michigan Association of Counties
    This site will provide information listing county officials for specific counties.