Virginia signed its first constitution in 1776 upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, there have been frequent amendments and six major revisions to the constitution: 1830, 1851, 1864, 1870, 1902, and 1971. Our current…

Budget Hero gives players an opportunity to try to manage the Federal budget by making budget decisions without breaking the bank. Players can choose up to three major issues to focus on, such as  national defense, health and wellness, energy independence, and efficient government. The game provides details about individual issues (such as funding for mass transit and other infrastructure), which can inform players about some of the major policy issues being dicussed right now. The game is aimed at the Federal budget, but some of the policy decisions affect state and local governments.

This website provides a wealth of up-to-date coverage of current issues, from America's role in the international community to Social Security. A large section for educators includes resources for teachers, students, parents, and leaders. Topics such as the rising cost of college tuition are particularly relevant for those involved in education. While there are limited resources specifically aimed at Virginia, the broader issues covered by the website can easily be oriented to fit discussions about their specific application on the state and local level.

The Wise County Board of Supervisors offers a prime example of the executive branch in a local jurisdiction. This website offers meeting agendas and minutes, as well as a TV broadcast of Board meetings. The Wise County website is one among many local government websites that address this issue—you can even find your own local government!

This document summarizes key provisions related to health care, labor, and employment passed by the 2009 Virginia General Assembly. These provisions do not become law unless also signed by the Governor. Passed legislation varies from things like…

This is the official website of the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Similar to the official Governor’s website, this website includes news and press releases from the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Another useful section is a history of the office of Lieutenant Governor, which talks about the changing role of the Lieutenant Governor. The position stretches back to colonial times: the King of England appointed a Governor, who then appointed a Lieutenant Governor. Learning about the Governor’s second-in-command helps create a better understanding of how executive power is shared.

Interested in the executive branch in Virginia? Why not check out the Governor’s website as well?

This guide is from the Library of Virginia, Virginia's repository for government, historical, and other scholarly and primary source materials. The guide is intended for researchers interested in locating information about the legislative history of…

The National Governors Association has created a searchable directory of all United States governors. Virginia governors range from Thomas Jefferson to the present administration. The archive provides a basic overview of each governor, information on their family, the dates of their administration, and more. For certain governors, the website also provides a list of external links.

Tax rates differ for citizens in Virginia, depending on where one lives. In addition, a local government may choose to spend collected tax money differently than another local government in the Commonwealth. In this activity, students simulate the…

Understanding the complex nature of relationships between American Indian tribal governments, states, and the federal government is essential. American Indians possess a unique status in the U.S. because their nations exist within but predate the…