California's government has a lot in common with the federal government. Both have a Constitution and three branches. Learn how these three levels of government—local, state, and federal—work together to make, enforce, and interpret the laws. This primary source reader details how California's government was formed, and introduces students to the men and women who influenced its history. By examining primary sources like maps, images, letters, and photographs, students will achieve literacy in social studies as they learn how to investigate and reflect on various social, economic, cultural, and geographical topics. This engaging text integrates social studies content and literacy and includes text features like a glossary, index, captions, sidebars, and table of contents to build academic vocabulary and comprehension. Aligned to the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS) and other national and state standards, the book is leveled to support above-, below-, and on-level learners. The Read and Respond activity immerses students in the content through diverse, engaging activities related to the content. The Track It! culminating activity provides an opportunity for assessment that challenges students to apply what they have learned in an interactive way. Learn how California's government was created with this grade 4 book!