Types of Local Governments

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, organizational forms, and functions of local governments, including county governments, municipal governments, and special districts.

Local Government

The lowest, closest level of public administration that manages specific towns, cities, or counties where people live.

Ordinances

Local laws passed by a local government regarding issues such as noise limits, zoning, and building permits.

County Governments

The level of government that runs a specific region, or county, serving as a bridge between the state government and local communities.

Special Districts

A level of government independent of city or county governments, established to provide specific government functions on a local level within specific boundaries, accounting for approximately $58\%$ of all US governments.

Municipal Governments

The local governing body for a specific city, town, village, or borough.

Mayor-Council Government

A form of municipal government organization in which government power is divided between the executive authority (mayor) and legislative authority (council of individually elected members).

Council-Manager Government

A form of municipal government organization where city council members oversee the general administration of the government, making policy and setting budgets.

Commission Government

A form of municipal government organization where voters select a body of five to seven people, known as commissioners, who serve as the government.

Fire Protection Districts

An example of a special district organized to provide fire protection services on a local level within defined boundaries.

Soil-Conservation Districts

An example of a special district created to manage and carry out soil-conservation functions on a local level within specific boundaries.

Cemetery Commissions

An example of a special district established to manage cemetery operations and oversight locally within designated boundaries.