(fun upbeat music) - Good morning, amazing students of Arkansas.

I am special agent Trey.

And I have an important message for you.

All right.

Today, we will be exploring the purpose of a government.

Now, what are governments?

Hmm.

That's right!

A group or person that creates rules for the country and its people.

What is their purpose?

Oh yes.

It keeps order within the country, provide services to its people, and helps people work together.

Those are all great answers.

What are some of the different kinds of government?

Some examples are democracy, monarchy, and dictatorship.

How do you think each of these are formed?

Hmm.

Democracies are formed by the power of the people.

Where does that happen, student?

Right!

In the United States.

Now, we get to vote for who we want to run our country and our local communities.

Monarchies are formed from someone inheriting their power.

That means it's passed down.

What is a good example of that?

Hmm.

Yes!

You're right.

The Queen of England.

Power is passed down from generation to generation.

What about a dictatorship?

Have you ever heard of that type of government?

Good.

It's when someone gives themselves all of the power so they can call all of the shots.

What are laws?

You got it.

Rules that the government makes that the people must follow.

What are some examples of laws?

How about not running a stop light?

You've all heard of this.

When the light's green and you can see that, it's your turn to go.

And the other people must wait.

What about stealing someone's stuff?

Now I know we've all heard of that rule.

No one should be taking anyone's items or belongings.

Now, what are services?

Hmm.

That's right.

Things that the government does to provide for its people.

Can you give examples of a couple of services?

Oh yes.

That's a big one.

Calling 911 anytime there's an emergency.

Just a second.

Oh, that sounds really important.

We'll be right there.

Oh yeah!

And don't forget about the post office.

That's how you get all of your regular mail that you don't order off of a website.

Hmm, I know you guys know what I'm talking about there.

Now this covers most of the basics of government.

Ask an adult to tell you more about local government.

What type of government is it?

Who are the leaders in your town or city?

Are there any interesting laws where you live?

Huh, I've got a crazy one for you.

In Fayetteville, Arkansas, there's a law that you can't have cows go down Dixon Street after midnight.

Ha.

Well, thank you for tuning in, students and have a fantastic rest of your day.

(upbeat music)