Inside Local Government

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

How Local Government Works

• What is local government?

Local government manages cities, towns, and counties. It’s the closest level of government to the people, and it handles matters that directly affect daily life.

In the United States, state governments create local governments, which means every local government must follow state laws.

However, each community’s needs are a little different, so local governments don’t all look the same. Some have a mayor, others have a town council or board of supervisors, and many have both!

Two Main Types of Local Government

Local governments usually fall into one of these two groups.

Counties – These are large areas that include many smaller towns or communities. In some states, they’re called boroughs (like in Alaska) or parishes (like in Louisiana).

Municipalities – These include cities, towns, villages, or townships. They often have their own city or town council and mayor.

Who Leads Local Government?

Local governments usually have elected officials, which means people in the community vote for them. Here are some of the common roles.

Mayor – Leads the executive branch of the city or town. Mayors may propose laws, manage departments, and represent the community at events.

City Council or Town Board—This branch acts as the legislative branch. These groups make local laws (called ordinances), approve budgets, and help solve community problems.

Judges – Run local courts that handle things like traffic tickets, small claims, and local disputes.

Other Leaders – Many local governments include people like school board members, town clerks, or parks and recreation directors. These officials help manage specific parts of the community.

There are often more officials and departments in bigger cities, while smaller towns might have just a few.

What Does Local Government Do?

Local governments do a lot! Here are just some of the responsibilities they take on.

Public Safety – Police, fire departments, and emergency services

Education – Running local public schools and school boards

Public Works – Fixing roads, collecting trash, managing water and sewer systems

Recreation – Parks, playgrounds, and community centers

Libraries – Providing books, internet, and community programs

Local Laws – Passing ordinances to make sure the community stays safe and organized

They also help carry out state and federal programs, such as organizing local elections or providing public health services.

How Local Governments Get Their Money

To pay for all these services, local governments need money. Here is how they get it.

Property taxes – Money paid by people who own homes or land

Fees and permits – For services like water, sewer, or building

State and federal funding – Extra help from higher levels of government

Just like you might plan how to spend your allowance, local governments must plan their budgets and decide how to use their money wisely.

Why Local Government Matters

Local government is one of the most important parts of any democratic system. It gives people a voice right where they live.

Citizens can attend meetings, vote for leaders, or even grow up to serve in local office themselves!

Whether you live in a city with a huge council or a tiny town with one meeting room, local government makes life better—and more organized—for everyone in the community.