Local Government Structure and Function in Virginia

These flashcards cover the vocabulary and key concepts from lecture notes on the structure and functions of local government in Virginia, focusing on various forms of government, their responsibilities, and significant challenges.

Modern Urban County

Delivers services similar to large municipal governments, aiming to prevent the incorporation of new municipalities.

Municipalities

Subcounties that provide general services to specific concentrations of populations, such as cities, towns, and villages.

Townships

Governments that provide services to areas defined without regard to population concentration.

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Elected official responsible for managing records of court proceedings and operations.

Sheriff

Elected official responsible for protecting county residents.

Commonwealth's Attorney

Elected official who prosecutes local criminal offenses.

Commissioner of Revenue

Elected official responsible for assessing local taxes.

Treasurer

Elected official responsible for the collection, custody, and disbursement of county funds.

Independent City

A unique feature of Virginia local government where residents are not part of a surrounding county.

Single Purpose Governments

Governments established for specific purposes like special districts for fire, water, and transportation services.

Council Manager Form of Government

A government system where the city council appoints a city manager for day-to-day operations.

Metropolitan Consolidation

The process of combining counties with cities to improve service delivery.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers, as seen in most state legislatures except Nebraska.

Civil Service Reform

Movements aimed at reducing political patronage and ensuring hiring based on merit.

Attorney General

The chief law enforcement officer in a state, with discretion to enforce state and federal laws.

Virginia Governors

Virginia governors are limited to one consecutive term, a unique restriction among U.S. states.

State Corporation Commission

Virginia's regulatory body for businesses and public utilities.

Election Management

The responsibility of secretaries of state to oversee the administration of state elections.

State Boards and Commissions

A multitude of bodies set up to oversee specific areas such as the economy, health, and education.

Public Health Officials

Officials tasked with maintaining and enforcing public health regulations.

Legislative Committees

Groups within a legislature responsible for drafting and reviewing proposed legislation.

Political Machines

Political organizations that may engage in corrupt practices to maintain power.

State Legislature Polarization

The growing ideological divide within state legislatures, influenced by partisan interests.

Laboratories of Democracy

The concept that states can experiment with different policies, serving as models for national government.