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Understanding Local Government Structures in the United States

Explore the key concepts of city, county, and town governments in the U.S., including types of city governments, county governance, and roles of towns, townships, and villages. Learn how different forms of local government impact residents and services.

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Understanding Local Government Structures in the United States

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  1. Chapter 13(“Local Government”)

  2. City Governments (13.1)

  3. City Governments • All local governments are created by the state, with their powers and duties established in the state constitutions. • They are not mentioned within the U.S. Constitution.

  4. City Governments • A “municipality” is defined as an incorporatedplace, or an area that is officially organized to provide servicesto its residents.

  5. City Governments • All incorporated areas begin by applying for a city charter, which acts like a city “constitution”. • Each charter must be approved by the state. • “Home Rule” allows cities to write their own charters to create their own governments.

  6. City Services

  7. Types of City Governments • Charters usually create one of three kinds of governments: • Mayor-Council Form • Council-Manager Form • Commission Form

  8. “Mayor-Council Form” • In this form, power is divided between the mayorand city councils. • “Ordinances”are the laws that are passed by this ruling body. • This is the most common form.

  9. “Strong-Mayor vs. Weak-Mayor”

  10. Other Forms: • In the “Council-Manager” form, the council and mayor make decisions jointly. • These members are elected in “at large” elections. • Usually hire an administratorto run the day to day operations.

  11. Other Forms: • In the “Commission” form, individual “commissioners” are elected and serve as heads of departments. • Within the group, a mayor is selected. • The commission serves as both legislative AND executive branches.

  12. Special Districts • The most numerous of all local governments. • Usually deal with specific issues: • Education • Water / Sewer • Transportation

  13. County Government (13.2)

  14. County Governments • A “county” is the largest subdivision of a state. • Only Connecticut and Rhode Island do NOT have counties. • Louisiana has “parishes” and Alaska has “boroughs”

  15. County Governments • Most counties have a centrally located county courthouse, which serves as the center of government. • The “county seat” is the town that contains this courthouse.

  16. County Governments • Despite the rising power of city governments, the county still controls many parts of government: • Elections • Hospitals • EMS • Waste Management

  17. County Governments • Most counties are governed by a board of commissioners. • “County Managers” are often appointed to help run the day to day operations of the county government. • “County Executives” are newly elected positions in some counties.

  18. Other County Offices

  19. Towns, Townships, & Villages (13.3)

  20. Towns, Townships, & Villages • Towns, townships, and villages are the smallest political units of local government. • Like cities & counties, they get all of their power from the state.

  21. Towns, Townships, & Villages • In New Englandstates, “towns” are the most common. • Like cities & counties, they get all of their power from the state. • “Selectmen” are often chosen to carry out the day to day business.

  22. Towns, Townships, & Villages • “Town Meetings” are common in these areas, with a simple majority decision. • This is known as “direct democracy”. • In more recent times, many have become more “representative” (electing someone to speak for them)

  23. Towns, Townships, & Villages • In NY, NJ, PA, and other Midwestern areas, “townships” are still common. • A “township” is a 6 mile by 6 mile block of land. • “Township Committees” are selected to run these governments.

  24. Towns, Townships, & Villages • The “village” is the smallest form of local government. • Usually created when residents want to control their own services. • This usually results in higher taxesfor the residents.

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