Local GovernmentLocal Gov’t structure is decided by the state

Local gov’t must have a CharterGives them right to collect taxes, give licenses, and maintain safety

County Government

Early in USA Counties were the gov’t

Most people lived in rural (farms) areas

Today County = big area w/ several cities

San Diego CountySan Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Escondido, Chula Vista, Poway, etc.

Counties run courts & more

Who Runs county gov’t

County Board of Commissioners (3-7+)Pass laws, collect taxes, deal w/roads

Deal w/ zoningWhat you can or can’t do with property

Run county jails, courts libraries

Other County DutiesSheriff- work for courts, enforce laws

County clerk- keep track of paper workLicense for marriage, business, birth records

Treasurer- collect $$ ,taxes & fees

Auditor- says how much your property is worth so for taxes

District Attorney (Prosecutor)- Proves that a person has broken the law

Lot of other helpers - commissionersCoroner- deals w/ dead bodies

Urban vs. Rural

Today more people live in Urban (city) areas

• City has lot of challenges- bigger population

• City duties:– Police, fire, roads, water, transportation,

trash

• Culture & recreation (fun)

City Power

• Cities have to get Charters to work

• Charter- like a mini-Constitution

• Gives city power only in the area covered by charter (city limits)

City Funding

• Funds= $$

• $$ from Taxes- – most from property & sales– sometimes income- not much

• Property- assess by city

• Bonds- Loans to cities (counties)

• Also money from state & federal gov’t

City Gov’t• Depend on the state and city

• Mayor-Council- executive and board– Both elected, one selects leaders of dept.

• Commission- no executive– Elected, lead of dept.s, one serves as leader

• Council-Manager- Board & Hired Director– Council elected, Manager hired-runs city

• Manager not elected – focus on business not politics

Other Types of City Govs

• New England Towns- Direct Democracy– All citizens vote, ok for small town– Not showing up and size are issues

• Townships- Elected trustees– People elect trustees to do job of gov’t– Trustees make rules & collect taxes

• Villages & Boroughs- small time– Towns of 200, self-run– Officials serve part-time

Government in Action

• Local gov’t meetings open to the public• Except some special sessions

• Some show the meetings on TV

• You can see and hear what the decisions that they are making

• You can even talk about an issue

Ch 10.2 Review Quiz

1. What is a city government?

2. What are the 3 most popular types of city governments? How does each run?

3. What are the main responsibilities of a city government?

4. How does a city government get the money it needs to operate?