Fundamentals of Government Bill Ebel, City Manager City of Overland Park, KS

Fundamentals of Government Objectives: Understand the three branches of government and their respective responsibilities Understand the public works role in local government

Democratic Ideals Agreement or consensus (majority rules….) Deliberation Negotiation Decision (voting….) Separation of powers

Why Is There Government ? Self protection (police, military,…) Public infrastructure (sanitation, water, energy) Economic prosperity (trade, free market protection) Social prosperity and social entrepreneurship We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, ….. US Declaration of Independence

Separation of Powers – The Three Branches of Government Executive Legislative Judicial

Executive Responsible for executing or administering the laws Judicial Responsible for interpreting disagreement about the laws Legislative Responsible for making the laws

Role of Public Works in Local Government Infrastructure Management Capital Maintenance/preservation Development Standards Utility Management Power Water Sewer Solid Waste

Role of Public Works in Local Government Emergency Management First response Recovery Public Transportation Bus Rail Right of Way Management Facility Management Equipment Maintenance Management