Local Government

1
Local Government

• Created and given powers from the states.
• Your daily life relies on the services of the
  local governments, it is the level of government
  that has the greatest effect on you.

• Oldest Unit of Local Government is the county
  system, it was founded in England.
• Most counties are run by Boards. Boards a group
  of people who manage the business of an
  organization.

2
County Laws

• County Boards set up county programs and pass
  ordinances.
• Ordinances are local laws. (ex. No loud music
  past 11 p.m.)
• Most widely known County position is that of
  Sheriff. (Also, assessor, treasurer, county clerk)

3
Townships

• In Middle Atlantic States and in the Midwest,
  States have townships.
• Townships originally started to help run schools
  and transportation but since cities have grown
  and populations expand, townships have usually
  become nothing more then areas that elect
  representatives to the county board.

4
New England Towns

• Original Colonies in New England gave land to
  farm to whom ever came over. Everyone who
  received land then participated in how these
  extended villages operated in regards to laws
  passed, taxes. Each year every citizen votes to
  elect a 3-5 person board.
• This is the closest thing the U.S. has to direct
  democracy.

5
Special Districts

• A Special District is a unit of government that
  generally provides a certain service.
• The example that you know is the Seaford School
  District, the school boundaries extend beyond
  Seaford City Limits.

6
Cities

• A government that serves people in large urban
  areas is called a municipality. Municipality is
  what we call a city.
• Guidelines are set by the state on how cities are
  to be run.
• 3 Plans on Power Sharing in City Govt.
• Mayor-Council, Council-Manager or commission.

7
Mayor-Council Plan

• Comes from England
• Strong/Weak Mayor
• As the country grew, the need for strong
  leadership also grew.
• Most major cities have strong mayor situations in
  city govts.

8
Council-Manager Plan

• To combat corruption, establish a business like
  government.
• Council Elected, they appoint City Manager.
• Council makes and passes ordinances. City Manager
  runs day to day operations of the city.

9
The Commission Plan

• Voters choose several different commissioners who
  work together to create and pass ordinances.
  This plan provides no leaders and the budget has
  to be worked on together.