U.S. Government Chapter 8
 

  1. State Government:
     
    1. Links
       
     
  2. County Government:
     
    1. The county is normally the largest territorial and political subdivision of the state.
       
    2. Counties vary in number, size, population, power, and influence.
       
    3. In most counties, a county board has both executive and legislative pwers. Board officials are usually elected by the voters.
       
    4. Links
       
     
  3. Municipal Government:
     
    1. A municipal government may be formed when people in a community ask the state legislature to permit their community to incorporate.
       
    2. Municipalities use one of three basic forms of government:
      1. Mayor-council
        • The most widely used form of municipal government
        • Executive power belongs to an elected mayor and legislative power to an elected council.
        • There are two types of mayor-council government:
          • The strong-mayor system.
          • The weak-mayor system.
      2. Commission
        • The commission government combines executive and legislative powers in an elected commission that passes laws and makes policy decisions.
      3. Council-Manager
        • A city manager is hired by an elected city council. The council acts as a legislative body and makes the policy of the municipality. The manager carries out the council's policies and serves as chief administrator.
       
    3. Local Government Services
      • Local school districts provide most of the money and make most of the decisions regarding the operation of public schools.
      • Local governments use zoning to regulate the way land and buildings are used.
      • Police and fire protection make up a large part of the local budget.
      • Local governments make vital decisions regarding water service, and sewage disposal and treatment.
      • Many local governments offer important services to citizens who have special needs and provide recreation and cultural programs for their residents.
       
    4. Financing Local Government
      • Local governments finance services by levying taxes, such as property taxes.
      • Most Americans view property taxes as unfair. They place a heavier burden on those who low incomes and may result in unequal public services.
      • Revenue sources for local governments include local income taxes, sales taxes, fines and fees, government-owned businesses, bonds, and state grants.
       
    5. Crescent on Wikipedia
     
  4. Responsibilities of Citizenship:
     
    1. Support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
    2. Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
    3. Participate in the democratic process.
    4. Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
    5. Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
    6. Participate in your local community.
    7. Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
    8. Serve on a jury when called upon.
    9. Defend the country if the need should arise.