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Local Government in the United States

Local governments, unlike state governments or the federal government, are not directly defined by a constitution, though many state constitutions determine the process for creating a local government.

For example, although many state constitutions determine the process for creating a local government, in many states, the state legislature must vote on the charter for any local government structure. Local government structures may vary, but they typically include counties, cities, villages, and townships. City governments most commonly include an elected mayor, which is the chief executive, and a city council, which acts much like a legislature. Villages and townships are often found in more rural areas; they may have a structure similar to that of a city or be run by a commission. Most states are divided into counties, usually with an elected board of county commissioners or supervisors. There may also be other elected county officials, including sheriffs or county executives. In addition, many special purpose delegates carry out such functions as education and, sometimes, environmental regulation.

Local governments, including cities and counties, often have important environmental responsibilities, such as managing solid waste, ensuring clean drinking water, developing and enforcing land-use plans, inspecting local restaurants and other establishments for health and safety, and providing emergency services and planning. More generally, local governments have the power to tax, to enact and enforce local ordinances, and to administer the local aspects of certain state and federal programs.

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