Social Studies Communities Study Guide

Definition of Community

• A community consists of a group of people who reside in the same area.

Characteristics of Communities

• Communities typically include places to shop, work, and schools for children.

Governance of Community Services

• Local government manages the post office, library, and schools.

Importance of Police

• Police are crucial for maintaining order and safety within a community.

Community Helpers

• Community helpers are individuals who provide essential services or goods to residents.

Types of Communities

• Three primary types of communities: Rural, Suburban, and Urban.

Rural Communities

• Rural communities have the most land area compared to other types.
• Residents tend to live in houses rather than apartments due to the availability of space.

Urban Communities

• Urban communities are similar to cities.
• Many residents live in apartments due to higher population density.

Suburban Communities

• Suburban areas blend characteristics of both urban and rural environments.

Infrastructure Maintenance

• The government is responsible for maintaining roads within the community.

Transportation Options

• Urban areas offer various transportation modes including bicycles, taxis, buses, trains, and cars.

Citizenship

• A citizen is defined as an individual who lives in and is a member of a community.

Community Laws

• Communities establish laws to ensure the safety and well-being of their members.

Community Leadership

• The Mayor serves as the leader and representative of the local community.

Specific Community Example

• Du Quoin is classified as a rural community.

Prepare for your Social Studies test on communities with this study guide. Learn about what defines a community, the essential places within it, and the role of government and law enforcement. Utilize provided links in Google Classroom for additional resources.