There are basic forms of government at
different levels in our state. These levels are
associated with the way the state is organized
for purposes of governing. The state is organized
into counties, cities, boroughs, and townships.
Each region or place has the authority to govern
its people. This chapter is designed to help you
learn about the structure of governmental
agencies that provide goods and services at the
state, county, and local levels.
The reason for studying about these different
forms of government is tomake you a better
citizen. That is one of your responsibilities as a
citizen of our state and country. Our forms of
government are based upon the idea that people
can help run the government. In order to have a
say in government functions, you need to
understand how government works. The better
informed you are, the better your decision-
making skills will be.
By studying about government in one chapter,
you could get the idea that our governmental
structure is simple. This is not true, as themany
avenues that government branches into are quite
complex and fascinating. However, only the basic
structures of government as they affect our lives
can be presented. In reality, there aremany
types of councils, commissions, and other
agencies within our government that help the
citizens of our state.
2000
1940
1880
1820
1812
Harrisburg
becomes
the
state
capital
1822
The state capitol
building in Harrisburg
is completed
1838
The third Constitution
of Pennsylvania
is adopted
1848
The state legislature
grantsmarried women
the right ot own property
1856
Pennsylvanian
James Buchanan
is elected President
1874
The fourth
Constitution of
Pennsylvania
is adopted
1891
The secret ballot
is adopted for
Pennsylvania elections
1897
The state capitol
building is
destroyed by fire
1919
Pennsylvania is the
seventh state to ratify
the 19th Amendment,
giving women the
right to vote
1968
The last Constitution
of Pennsylvania
is adopted
1987
Philadelphia and the
nation celebrate the
200th anniversary of
the U.S. Constitution
2008
Barack Obama
becomes the
first African-
American to be
elected President
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