2. County Government The United States Constitution grants no power to local or county government. The State grants local government power in a charter.

3. Charter- a plan for government. Describes local government.

4. A County board governs most counties. (May also be called board of commissioners, or supervisors)

5. Ordinance- law passed by a county board or other government officials. Read last paragraph on the bottom left of 331 (what county board does)

6. County Officials- they are elected or appointed. Sheriff- is the counties chief law enforcement official. Enforces court orders and manages the county jail. The Department includes deputies.

7. Sheriff

8. District Attorney (DA) Counties Chief legal officer. Investigates crimes Brings charges Prosecutes the cases.

9. District Attorney

10. Coroner- the official who establishes the cause of death. Usually works closely with sheriffs department.

11. County Clerk Keeps government records and supervises county elections.

12. Assessor- examines all taxable income. Your property tax is based on their estimate.

13. County Treasurer supervises county funds.

14. Auditor – makes sure that the money is spent only with the approval from the county board.