Avery Visits the State House

Avery stands with Dad outside the Rhode Island State House. Its white dome shines in the sun.

“Why is this big building here?” Avery asks.

“It is in Providence,” Dad says. “Providence is the capital of Rhode Island.”

Avery looks up at the dome. “But what does a capital do?”

“Let’s go in and find out,” says Dad.

Inside, their guide, Ms. Hill, shows them a grand hall. Avery’s shoes tap on the stone floor.

“A capital is a city where much of a state’s government works,” Ms. Hill says. “People come here to make choices for Rhode Island.”

“Like what?” Avery asks.

“They talk about state laws,” says Ms. Hill. “Laws are rules people must follow. They also make plans for how the state will spend money.”

Avery thinks of the road near home. It has a big bump that makes the car bounce.

“Can they fix our road?” Avery asks.

“State leaders help make plans for roads,” Ms. Hill says. “But some roads are cared for by towns or cities.”

Avery has another question. “How do the leaders know what people need?”

“People can tell them,” says Ms. Hill. “They can write letters or talk at meetings. Leaders listen and share ideas before they vote.”