Government

In the United States, there are three levels of government—federal, state and local.  The federal government, in Washington D.C., is mainly responsible for the protection of the nation as a whole, maintaining relations with other countries and addressing problems that extend beyond the boundaries of any one state.

State governments (such as Indiana) have responsibility for virtually all domestic concerns, from transportation and education to public health and safety.  State laws cannot conflict with federal laws, but there is usually enough room within federal law for states to operate quite differently from one another.

State governments also create all of the local governments within their boundaries—counties, cities, school districts, and so on. 

Government agencies exist to assist citizens and residents.  The following information offers links to a partial listing of governmental resources.

Federal Government