II Local Government All politics is local Tip

II. Local Government

“All politics is local. ” Tip O’Neill (Former Speaker of the House)

A. Created by the State • Local governments have no legal independence • Created by each state’s constitution • Dark Continent of American Politics – Nickname given to local gov. t’ because few people know anything about them

B. Types of Local Government • Counties – Largest territorial and political subdivision within a state • Counties vary in size, population, and importance • Nebraska: 93 counties • Delaware: 3 • Texas: 254

• County Board – Has both executive and legislative powers within a county • Most important role is dealing with finances • Responsible for levying local property taxes

• Eminent Domain – Governmental power to take private property for a public use • Are required to pay a fair price • Private property owners are forced to give up their property

C. Major Local Elected Officials • Sheriff – Responsible for local jails, providing police protection, and carrying out local court orders • Clerk – Responsible for records and issuing deeds, mortgages, and marriage certificates

• Assessor – Responsible for setting the value of all taxable property in the county • Treasurer – Responsible for records on country funds and authorizes payments from these funds

• District Attorney – Prosecuting attorney, carries out criminal investigations, and prosecutes those who break the law

• County Commissioners – Responsible for road maintenance, water service, and sewage disposal

D. Local Government Services • School Districts – Provide most of the money and make most decisions regarding the operation of public schools • School board is one of the more important local governmental body • Police and fire protection make up the largest part of local budgets