2. Town, Township and Village Governments  States are divided into counties.  Many counties are also divided into smaller units.  Read 2 nd paragraph 336

3. Town government- oldest form of government in the U.S.A.

4. Town Meeting

5. Town Meetings began in the New England Colonies.

6. In most cases farmers living in outlaying areas were considered town members.

7. Town Meetings  Eventually “town meetings” became town colonists form of local government.  Citizens have direct say in government- democracy.  Town meetings still held once a year- to make broad policy decisions.

8. Town Meetings  Since town meetings can not handle day-to-day issues they elect number of officials called selectmen.

9. Township Government  Some States have smaller units of government called townships.  New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

10. Midwestern Townships  U.S expanded westward and acquired land that was divided into squares and called –townships.  Settlers moved in and established government.  Government similar to that in counties.

11. Village Government  Village government smallest form of government.  Found within boundaries of other government.  Elect board of trustees and town manager.  Can tax for projects in community.

12. Special Districts  Special District-a unit of government set up to deal with a single issue or to provide a single service.  Can be set up for financial reasons or regional issues.  If money is needed a user fee, a charge for the use of a service or product, can be set up.