This document outlines different levels of local government in the United States, including counties, cities, towns, townships, and special districts. It discusses the roles and services provided by these entities. It also describes different forms of county and municipal government, such as commission, council-manager, and mayor-council systems. Key local government officials like the sheriff, county attorney, and city clerk are also defined.

1. POL 240-01
Fall 2015

6.  Counties
 Largest entity of a state by territory
 Vary in population and land area
 Provide array of public services for citizens
 Cities
 Self-governance for particular place
 Police, fire, streets, sanitation, parks

7.  Towns andTownships
 Smaller political units within counties
 Towns andVillages;Village Governance
 Town meeting popular in New England
▪ Direct democracy unfeasible, so election of committee,
board, etc. is needed for daily operations
 School Districts
 Special Districts

10.  Rural Counties vs. Urban Counties
 Basics of County Governance
 Governing body with separately elected officials
 Appointed county bureaucracy
 Elected Mayor and/or AppointedCity Manager
 Forms of County Government:
 County Commission
 Commission-Administrator
 Council-Executive

11.  Sheriff: Chief law enforcement officer
 County Attorney: Investigates/ prosecutes crimes
 County Clerk: Keeps records, supervises elections
 Assessor: Values taxable property
 Treasurer: Supervises county finances; collect tax
 Auditor: Supervises treasurer

13.  Document granting powers and determining
organization and responsibilities of city govt.
 What is Dillon’s Rule?
 Local govt’s only have power granted in charter
 Types of MunicipalCharters
 General, Special, Optional, Home Rule

14.  #1: Commission System
 Legislative and Executive Powers Combined
 One Commissioner acts as Ceremonial Mayor
 Drawbacks to System
 #2: Council-Manager System
 Elected council appoints city manager
 City manager is nonpartisan

15.  #3: Mayor-Council
 Voters elect mayor and city council
 Mayor = Executive; Council = Legislature
 Large cities have strong mayor system
▪ Mayor can veto, remove officials, prepares budget, etc.
 Small towns have weak mayor system
▪ Council appoints department heads
▪ Mayor presides over meetings; acts as figurehead