Question

There are 3 levels of government: Federal, State, and Local. What are some of the responsibilities of each level?

Operating police and fire departments
Working with other countries to trade and create peace
Providing fishing and hunting licenses

Answer 1

Responsibilities of the Federal Government:
- Maintaining national security and defense
- Enforcing federal laws
- Regulating interstate and international trade
- Conducting foreign relations and negotiating treaties
- Printing and coining money
- Collecting taxes and managing the national budget
- Providing social services such as Medicare and social security
- Ensuring a fair and just legal system through federal courts

Responsibilities of State Governments:
- Regulating intrastate commerce and trade
- Maintaining state-level law enforcement agencies
- Managing state-level taxation and budgeting
- Providing and regulating education (including public schools and universities)
- Issuing driver licenses and vehicle registration
- Managing state parks and recreation areas
- Overseeing state-level health and welfare programs
- Conducting state elections and managing voter registration

Responsibilities of Local Governments:
- Providing and maintaining local infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc.)
- Managing local law enforcement agencies and emergency services (police, fire departments, etc.)
- Providing public education (local schools and libraries)
- Issuing permits for construction and zoning regulations
- Managing local transportation and public transit
- Offering recreational facilities and programs (parks, community centers, etc.)
- Collecting local taxes and managing local budgets
- Handling local planning and development activities