State and local government

Statutory law

Laws passed by the legislature

Referendum

Process where the legislature refers a measure to voters for approval or rejection

Representative government

System where public policies are made by elected officials who are accountable through periodic elections

Federalism

System dividing power between national and state/local governments

Legislative branch

Branch of government responsible for making laws

Senate

Upper house of the legislative branch with 2 senators per state serving 6-year terms

House of Representatives

Lower house of the legislative branch with representation based on state population

Executive Branch

Branch of government responsible for enforcing laws

Judicial Branch

Branch of government responsible for interpreting laws

Constitutions

Fundamental laws outlining the structure and powers of government

Ohio General Assembly

Ohio's legislative body consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives

Common Pleas Court

Courts with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases in Ohio

State Courts of Appeals

Courts with appellate jurisdiction in Ohio

Ohio Supreme Court

Highest court in Ohio with 7 justices serving 6-year terms

Charter

Basic law of a city

Ordinances

Local laws enacted by municipal authorities

Zoning

Practice of regulating land use in cities

Mayor-council

Local government system with an elected mayor and legislative body

Municipal courts

Courts confined to a city or municipality

County commission

Elected officials overseeing county government affairs