Guam Government Vocabulary for ELLs

Front

Governor

Back

The leader of Guam's government, like the president of a country but for Guam. Analogy: The _ is like the captain of a ship. The ship is Guam, and the _ makes decisions about where the ship should go and how to keep everyone safe.

Front

Legislature

Back

A group of elected people who make laws for Guam. Analogy: The _ is like a recipe team in a kitchen. They decide what ingredients (laws) to use to make life better for everyone.

Front

Judicial Branch (Courts)

Back

The courts make sure laws are followed and fair. They solve disagreements about the laws.

Analogy: The _ branch is like a referee in a soccer game. They don’t make the rules, but they make sure everyone plays by them.

Front

Mayor

Back

A leader for a village or town on Guam. Analogy: A _ is like a classroom teacher. They focus on their group (village) to make sure everyone has what they need.

Front

Public Services

Back

Things the government provides for everyone, like schools, parks, police, and fire departments. Analogy: _ are like a toolbox for a community. The tools (schools, parks, police) are there to fix problems and make life better for everyone.

Front

Election

Back

A process where people vote to choose their leaders. Analogy: An _ is like a school vote for class president. Everyone chooses who they think will do the best job leading.

Front

Budget

Back

A plan for how the government will spend money. Analogy: A _ is like a family shopping list. You have to decide how to spend your money wisely.

Front

Territorial Status

Back

Guam is a U.S. territory, meaning it’s part of the United States but has its own local government. Analogy: A _ is like a branch of a big tree. Guam is part of the U.S. tree but grows its own leaves (laws and culture).

Front

Constitution

Back

A set of rules that guide how the government works. Guam doesn’t have its own constitution but follows U.S. laws and local rules. Analogy: A _ is like a playbook for a sports team.

Front

Autonomy

Back

The ability to make decisions for itself in some areas, even while being part of the U.S. Analogy: _ is like being a teenager in a family. You can make some decisions on your own, but your parents (the U.S.) still have the final say.