Levels of Government
The U.S. has four main levels of government. Each makes different kinds of decisions — and voters elect officials at every level. Review each level below to learn more.
The federal government sets national policy on issues that cross state lines or affect the whole country. It raises money through federal taxes and sets the floor for many rights and programs.
Key Decisions
- Defense & foreign policy
- Immigration law
- Social Security & Medicare
- Federal minimum wage
- Constitutional rights
Who You Elect
- President & Vice President
- U.S. Senators (2 per state)
- U.S. Representatives
Economic Impact Example
Congress sets the Federal Minimum Wage, which acts as the absolute floor for worker pay nationwide. They also determine funding levels for crucial safety net programs like SNAP (food stamps) and housing vouchers.
States handle most day-to-day governance and can expand — but not reduce — federal rights.
Key Decisions
- K–12 & higher education
- Criminal law & state prisons
- Voting & election administration
- Driver's licenses & IDs
- State income & sales tax
Who You Elect
- Governor
- State Senators & Representatives
- Attorney General
- State Supreme Court (most states)
Economic Impact Example
State legislatures decide whether to implement a higher state minimum wage or enact paid sick leave laws. They also decide whether to expand Medicaid, determining if low-income adults qualify for free health insurance.
Counties deliver services in unincorporated areas and manage critical infrastructure like jails, property records, and social service offices.
Key Decisions
- Property taxes & assessments
- Sheriff & county jail
- Local elections administration
- Social services delivery
Who You Elect
- County Board / Commissioners
- Sheriff
- County Clerk
- District Attorney
- Local judges
Economic Impact Example
Counties often manage the physical offices where you apply for social services. They also set property tax rates, which influence how much rent landlords charge.
Local government is most directly felt in daily life. Voter turnout here is often very low, so your vote counts more here than anywhere else.
Key Decisions
- Local schools & curriculum
- Zoning & building permits
- Police department & local courts
- Water, trash & utilities
Who You Elect
- Mayor
- City / Town Council
- School Board Members
- Municipal judges
Economic Impact Example
City councils dictate zoning laws, deciding if affordable apartments can be built in certain neighborhoods. They also fund public transit routes.
💡 Key Takeaway
When you're frustrated about a policy, ask: which level of government actually controls this? That points you to which election matters most — and which officials to contact or vote out.
Why Should You Vote?
For individuals and families working hard to make ends meet, voting is a powerful tool to shape the policies that directly affect daily life and financial stability.
While the federal government sets the absolute minimum wage, state and local governments can choose to raise it significantly higher. When you vote for state representatives and city council members, you are voting on:
- Whether the minimum wage increases with inflation.
- Mandatory paid sick leave so you don't lose pay when ill.
- Protections against wage theft by employers.
The cost of rent and the threat of eviction are largely controlled by local and state lawmakers. These officials determine if housing remains affordable in your community.
- Rent Control: Laws that cap how much a landlord can raise rent.
- Zoning: Decisions that allow affordable apartments to be built.
- Utility Assistance: Programs that stop water and power shut-offs.
Access to food, medical care, and family assistance is determined by a mix of federal funding and state-level administration. Who you elect directly decides who qualifies for help.
- Medicaid Expansion: State governors decide if working-class adults qualify for free healthcare.
- SNAP & WIC: Elected officials determine ease of access for food assistance.
- Child Tax Credits: Federal lawmakers can put cash directly back into parents' pockets.
💡 The Power of Local Turnout
In local elections (like for Mayor or City Council), voter turnout is often less than 20%. This means a very small group of people is making decisions about your rent and local schools. By showing up, your vote carries massive weight.
Finding Information About Politicians & Policies
Good civic participation requires reliable information. Here are the most trusted sources — organized by what you need to find.
Congress.gov
Every bill introduced in Congress, voting records, and your representatives' official contact info.
Visit congress.govUSA.gov — Elected Officials
Find your federal, state, and local elected officials by entering your address.
Visit usa.gov/elected-officialsYour City/County Website
Agendas, minutes, and voting records from city council and county board meetings are typically posted publicly.
Vote411.org
Enter your address to see your exact ballot, candidates' own policy answers, and polling info.
Visit vote411.orgVoteSmart.org
Voting history, campaign finance, and interest group ratings for thousands of federal and state officials.
Visit votesmart.orgBallotpedia.org
Covers federal, state, and many local races — ballot measures, candidate bios, election results.
Visit ballotpedia.org💡 Quick Research Routine Before Any Election
1. Go to Vote411.org and enter your address — see your full ballot.
2. For each candidate, check Ballotpedia for background.
3. Verify surprising claims at PolitiFact or FactCheck.org before sharing.
Quiz Yourself
Test what you've learned. Click an answer to see if you're right — and learn why.