Types of local government

Local governments are different from state and federal governments because they do not have constitutions. Local governments receive a charter (a plan of government) from the state government. There are different types of local governments: city, county, town and village. The local charter tells us about the organization of the government.

One of the most important functions or duties of local government is the provision of public schools. People often want take part in making decisions about the schools because they want their children to get a good education. There are special school boards where parents are the numbers. The school board makes decisions about teacher's salaries, the curriculum and other administrative aspects. They give their opinions about what needs to be done at school.

Local governments have a court system which considers local problems, such as traffic laws and small disputes. Sometimes cases may be appealed to the state courts. Judges in local courts are sometimes called justices of peace or judge and magistrate. Local courts usually specialize in one area of law, for ex, family law, to be sure that a judge is very competent on the subject Local courts provide efficient legal service.

Ex. 15. Прочитайте и переведите.

Local Services

Name Responsibilities

Water Department • makes sure drinking water is safe

Roads/Highway Department • repairs local roads, signs, and bridges

Board of Education • hires teachers, decides salaries, curriculum, funding

Clerk's Office • keeps records (marriage licences, birth certificates)

Sanitation Department • collects trash, keeps area clean

Fire & Rescue Department • stops fires, saves people, in emergencies

Police Department • protects people, makes sure laws are not broken

Treasury or Tax Department • collects money to provide for services and programs

Courthouse • hears cases about local laws, family problems, traffic laws