Unit 5: The Government of Michigan

In this unit students extend their civic perspective from second grade local government to state government. They begin with an examination of the purposes of government and ways in which the government of Michigan works to fulfill those purposes. By exploring the concept of representative government, students learn how the power of government resides with the people. They build upon their knowledge of local government and community by distinguishing the roles of state government from local government and explore why state governments are needed. By learning about the Michigan Constitution, students are introduced to the concept of limited government and the history of Michigan’s Constitution. An understanding of limited government is further enriched through an exploration of how the powers of government are separated among the branches in state government. Students then explore the judicial branch by examining ways courts function to resolve conflict. Finally, students consider important rights and responsibilities of citizenship including the responsibility to be informed about public issues.

How has the government in Michigan responded to the needs of people as Michigan has grown?