Local Governments Chapter 24 Section1

Created by the State Local governments have no legal independence. Established by the state, they are entirely dependent on the state governments under which they exist. The state can assume control over them or even abolish them.

Section 1 Types of Local Government The county is normally the largest territorial and political subdivision of a state.county The number of counties within a state varies from state to state, and counties differ in size and population. A county board has the authority to govern most counties. County boards decide on the county budget, taxes, and zoning codes.county board

Section 1 Types of Local Government (cont.) Townships exist as units of local government in 20 states—mostly in New England and in the Midwest.Townships In areas with rapid metropolitan growth, townships have assumed some functions of city government, such as providing water, sewage disposal, and police protection. With strong community spirit fostered by their founders, New England towns became models of citizen participation in local government.

Section 1 Types of Local Government (cont.) A municipality is an urban unit of government—a town, borough, city, or urban district that has legal rights granted by the state through its charter.municipality The special district is a unit of local government that deals with a specific function, such as education, the water supply, or transportation.special district

Section 1 Forms of Municipal Government The mayor-council form follows the traditional concept of separation of powers. Executive power belongs to an elected mayor, and legislative power belongs to an elected council. Most city councils have fewer than 10 members, who usually serve four-year terms.

Section 1 Forms of Municipal Government (cont.) In the strong-mayor system, the municipal charter grants the mayor strong executive powers. In the weak-mayor system, the mayor has little control over the budget or the hiring and firing of municipal personnel. The city council makes most policy decisions, and the mayor’s veto power is limited.

Section 1 Forms of Municipal Government (cont.) The commission form of government combines executive and legislative powers in an elected commission. Each commissioner heads a specific department and performs all the executive duties related to that department.

Section 1 Forms of Municipal Government (cont.) Under a council-manager form of government, legislative and executive powers are separated. Appointed by the council, the city manager is chief executive.