A democracy is a government run by the people who elect officials as their representatives or senators to help develop those rules, regulations, and laws 

A dictatorship is a government where the leader takes over the control of the country and its people by force and he makes the rules, regulations, and laws. 

Compare the branches of the state government with the branches of the federal government. 
 

List the types of taxes from which the state government gets money to provide services for the people. 
 

Understand that one of the duties of the House of Representatives and the Senate includes making laws.
 

Understand that the population of each state determines the number of representatives there are in the House of Representatives. (There is one representative for every 30,000 people.) 
 

Become familiar with ways residents of Missouri can become involved in the local and state governments. 
 

Explain why laws are necessary. 
 

Describe what role each of these jobs plays within each of the branches of government: governor, senators, representatives, Supreme Court and other courts, police officers, and judges. 
 

Know the age requirement for voting in the State of Missouri and understand why this law is important. 
 

Become familiar with the many responsibilities of Missouri citizens. 
 

Know the state government regulates and funds public schools (including higher education institutions, such as Missouri State) and is responsible for the upkeep of roads and highways, and oversees health and safety regulations. Funds for these services and agencies are provided for by the taxes paid by the citizens. 
 

Locate the present day capital of Missouri and know why it was located there.
 

Know that statehood may only be granted after a constitution is written and ratified.
 

Describe the three branches of government and each of their functions.
 

Become familiar with how a bill becomes a law at the state level. 
 

Know that city councils develop laws for a city. The mayor helps to enforce those laws along with the police. The people elect members of city councils. 
 

Know that the Bill of Rights is included in both the state and federal governments. The Bill of Rights included such rights as freedom of speech and press, freedom to choose religious beliefs, and the right to a fair trial.