Pennsylvania Projects - Who represents you? Government in Pennsylvania Project Printer version

Government is composed of many different representative bodies. Most interesting is the fact that the governmental bodies who represent and control your life vary depending on where your home is located. For example, not all citizens are represented by a mayor. Some offices have more than one elected official. Townships may have multiple people who serve as equals. Officials may represent a defined district or they may serve "at-large". These people make very important decisions and set policies that impact your life every day. It is important to know who they are.

Discover who represents you at each level of government. Begin with the governmental body closest to your home. Identify only the elected officials. Work up through the organizations to the Commonwealth's Chief Executive. Helpful resources: the Internet, the library, the phonebook, the local newspaper.

Who was the largest contributor to your state representative and to your state senator? Followthemoney.org

Extra Credit:

Identify who represents you at the Federal level. (You may actually find this easier than the local part of the project!)

Posted 2/12/2006 by Cynthia J. O'Hora

Aligned with the National Standards for Civics and Government

Aligned with the following Pennsylvania Academic Standards - Civics and Government - 5.3. How Government Works

A. Identify the elected representative bodies responsible for making local, Pennsylvania and United States laws.
A. Compare the structure, organization and operation of local, state and national governments.
B. Describe the responsibilities and powers of the three branches of government.
E. Identify major leaders of local, state and national governments, their primary duties and their political party affiliation.