1. GO # 13
Local Government
The units of local government in Virginia are _counties_, _cities_, and __towns_. Local
government exercise _legislative__, __executive_, and __judicial_ powers. These units are
political subdivisions created by the __General Assembly___
Counties
Have an elected __board of supervisors__, which exercises _legislative__ powers, enacting
__ordinances__ (local laws) and adopting an annual __budget__.
May hire a _manager__ to oversee the operation of the local government.
__State Courts__ resolve judicial disputes
Voters must elect a _sheriff__, a clerk of the circuit court, a commissioner of _revenue_, and a
treasurer.
Have an elected __school board_, which oversees the operation of the K-12 public schools in the county
Cities
Have an elected __city council__, which exercises __legislative__ powers, enacting __ordinance__ (local
laws) and adopting an annual __budget_. A mayor is elected either by the __voters_ or the city council
members.
May hire a __manager_ to oversee the operation of the local government.
__State Courts__ resolve judicial disputes
Voters must elect a _sheriff_, a clerk of the circuit court, a commissioner of __revenue_, and a
treasurer.
Have an elected __school board__, which oversees the operation of the K-12 public schools in the
county
Towns (Incorporated)
Have an elected __town council__, which exercises __legislative__ powers, enacting __ordinances__
(local laws) and adopting an annual _budget__. A mayor is elected either by the _voters_ or the city
council members.
May hire a __manager_ to oversee the operation of the local government.
__State Courts__ resolve judicial disputes
Voters must elect a __sheriff_, a clerk of the circuit court, a commissioner of __revenue__, and a
treasurer.

2. Virginia local government exercise defined and limited powers, including the powers to
enforce state and local laws
promote public health
protect public safety
educate children
protect the environment
regulate land use
levy and collect taxes
The authority of local governments in Virginia are _derived_ from the _state__.
All powers of local governments in Virginia are given to them by the __Constitution of Virginia__ and
acts of the _General Assembly_.
Not all counties and cities are given the same powers. Cities have __charters_ listing their powers.
Counties, cities, and towns adopt and enforce _ordinances_ to provide services for their residents.
An elected __board of supervisors_ is the legislative body in counties. While an elected __council_ is
the legislative body in independent cities and incorporated towns.
Individuals can have the greatest influence on the decisions made by local government officials.