Georgia SS8CG6.a
The Standard
Explain the origins and purposes, of city, county, and special-purpose governments in Georgia.
Georgia Standards of Excellence for Social Studies · Analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students distinguish among counties, municipalities, and special-purpose governments. They explain how each is created and why each handles certain local services.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can explain that counties carry out state functions locally, while cities receive state charters to serve incorporated areas. They can identify an authority or district created for one limited service.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think cities and counties cover the same land, have identical powers, or are created by local voters alone. They may also confuse special-purpose governments with private businesses or temporary committees.
How to Assess It
- Give students three examples: Fulton County, the City of Savannah, and MARTA. Ask them to identify each government type, how it began, and its main purpose.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups Georgia government and service cards to sort into city, county, or special-purpose columns, then add each group’s origin and purpose.
Ask students to write which local government should handle a city park, county court, and regional bus system, then defend each choice.
Run a matching relay using government names, creation methods, service areas, and purposes, with teams assembling accurate four-card sets.
Have students examine local government websites and record one county service, one city service, and one service provided by an authority or district.
Free download
Printable SS8CG6.a Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to SS8CG6.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- SS3CG1.b
Describe the three branches of state government: executive (governor), legislative (Georgia General Assembly), and judicial (Supreme Court of Georgia).
- SS8CG6
Analyze the role of local governments in the state of Georgia.
- SS8CG1.b
Explain separation of powers and checks and balances among Georgia's three branches of government.
- SS8CG1
Describe the foundations of Georgia's government.
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson