state local government

City Governments

Cities develop local governments when they are granted special legal status by state legislatures through incorporation. The major forms of city government are the mayor-council form, the council-manager form, and the commission form. A special district is a unit of government created to deal with a specific function, such as education or transportation. A metropolitan area is a central city and its surrounding suburbs.

Towns & Villages

Counties are often divided into smaller political units. These units are called _____________. A _______________ is the smallest unit of local government.

Municipal

In which form of city government does the city council appoint department heads?

State Judicial Branch

State courts interpret and apply state and local laws. State judges are selected by the governor, by the legislature, or by the people. Crimes are defined by state statutes, which are laws enacted by state legislatures.

State Legislative Branch

State legislators are chosen by popular vote. The lawmaking machinery in the state legislatives is similar to that used in the U.S. Congress. All state legislatures, except Nebraska's are bicameral.

State Executive Branch

The governor is the chief executive officer in each of the 50 states. Important executive powers of the governor include appointing and removing officials, administering laws, planning and carrying out the budget, and commanding the National Guard.

Federal System

We live in a system in which there are 50 separate state governments and one federal government. The U.S. Constitution gives a broad range of powers to state governments.

lawmaking by assembled voters

What are New England town meetings used for?

municipal court

What courts handle traffic violations?

Local Government act of 1989

What has established the power and duties of most local governments?

where a state legislative body meets

What is the function of a state capitol?

Authorizes state documents

What is the function of a state seal?

Collect taxes, build roads, borrow money, establish courts, make and enforce laws, charter banks

What power do the state and national governments share?

Secretary of state

What state official manages elections?

Court clerk

Which county official enforces court orders?

Signing bills into laws

Which of the following is a legislative duty of the governor?

Village

Which of the following is the smallest unit of local government?

Alaska

Which state has boroughs rather than counties?

Governor or state legislature

Who selects state judges in many states?

So state officials know what they have authority and what they have to do

Why are both powers and responsibilities of government listed in state constitutions?

County Governments

first set up to provide a few basic services that residents could not provide for themselves. The responsibilities of a county are usually determined by the state constitution and state laws.

Local Government

provide many important services. When residents of a community find some particular reason to organize legally, they seek to incorporate a municipality, which may be called a village, city, or town.

State Constitutions

similar to the U.S. Constitution. They include the following: a preamble, a bill of rights, an outline of the framework of government, a listing of state powers and responsibilities, a provision for local government, the methods of amending the constitution.