Grades 2–4
How an Election Works
Put the 6 steps of an election in order, from candidates sharing their ideas to the winner taking office, and learn when we vote for President.
Social studies worksheet · Government and citizenship
What Do Taxes Pay For?
12 things to sort: what our taxes pay for (public schools, fire trucks, roads, libraries) and what families buy for themselves (a video game, a birthday cake).
- Grade level
- Grades 2–4
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Government and citizenship, Rules and laws, Voting, Rights and responsibilities
What kids do
“Taxes are money people pay to the government so it can provide things we all share. Circle Y if taxes pay for it. Circle N if a family pays for it.”
Printed on the sheet:
- 1. Public schools
- 7. Library books
- 2. Your video game
- 8. A movie ticket
- 9. Street lights
- 4. Your birthday cake
- 10. Your pet’s food
- 5. Roads and bridges
Teacher tip
Ask kids to find things at school that taxes paid for.
How to use it
- Connect the sheet to your class rules or a class vote.
- Use simple examples: the mayor helps the town, the governor helps the state.
- Read the sheet aloud for early readers and let them answer with drawings.
Watch for
Keep politics neutral. Focus on how government works, not on parties or people.
Talk about it
- What makes a good leader?
- What question would you ask an expert on this topic?
Take it further
Write a letter to a local leader about a real problem.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More government and citizenship worksheets
Grades 2–5
Run for Class President
A campaign planning page: kids design a poster, write a slogan and list 3 realistic promises, then explain why classmates should vote for them.
Grades 2–5
Government Word Search
A 12 by 12 word search of government and citizenship words: Congress, Senate, President, court, law, vote, mayor, governor, citizen and more.
Grades 2–5
A Letter to My Mayor
A civic action letter template: kids write to their mayor about a real problem in town (a broken swing, litter, a busy crossing) and suggest a fix.
Free for teachers
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