Types of Local Government Chapter 12 Section 1

Types of Local Government Chapter 12, Section 1

Counties and Townships » Our oldest unit of local government is the county. » The idea of a county is rooted in English traditions that were brought to the states by the colonists. » Each colony was divided into counties to carry out laws. » How did was it decided how far the meeting place should be?

Counties and Townships » Today, counties help state governments keep law and order and collect taxes. In addition, counties may also provide services like libraries or health care. » How are most counties governed? Define board. » How many elected officials does a county board usually have? What are they called?

Counties and Townships » Board members set up county programs and pass ordinances. Who does the county board share its power with? Give examples. » Is the sheriff a county official? Where is this position rooted? » The sheriff along with the help of deputies are responsible for running the county jail and enforcing the laws. » Where do sheriffs work? » What are other examples of county

Counties and Townships » In the Middle Atlantic states and in the Midwest counties are divided into townships. » At first what were the townships needed for?

New England Towns » When colonist came to the New England colonies they were given land. Eventually, groups of settlers started towns by building villages with homes, a church, a school and farmlands. » In the towns the voters met once a year at town meetings to pass laws, set taxes, and decide how the money should be spent. These kinds of meetings still take place in many New England towns and is the closest form of direct democracy.

New England Towns » How many people are on the board in a town? How often do they meet? » What are some other town officials? » How does the town meetings work in larger towns?

Special Districts » What is a special district? » How long can it serve? » What needs do special districts serve?

Cities » What is a municipality? What else is a municipality known as? » Today the mid-size American city has between 25, 000 to 250, 000 citizens. Others have millions. Can you think of one? » What different issues do large cities have to face? » How are the boundaries set?

Cities » Some communities write charters, or plans of government, that must be approved by the state. In other communities, the plan of government is set by state law. » No matter how they formed, the governments of most municipalities follow one of three plans.

Cities » Mayor-Council Plan » Council-Manager Plan » Commission Plan