Chapter 13 ( “ Local Government ” )

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.