Local Government
Local government refers to the system of government that is responsible for governing specific areas such as cities, towns, and counties. It is the level of government that is closest to the people and is responsible for addressing the needs and concerns of the local community.
Structure of Local Government
Local government is structured in a way that allows for the efficient management of local affairs. It typically consists of three main branches:
- Executive Branch: This branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing local laws and policies. It is typically led by a mayor or city manager.
- Legislative Branch: This branch is responsible for making local laws and policies. It is often made up of a city council or board of commissioners.
- Judicial Branch: This branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the law in local cases. It includes local courts and judges.
Functions of Local Government
Local government has several key functions, including:
- Public Safety: This includes providing police and fire services to ensure the safety of the community.
- Public Works: Local government is responsible for maintaining roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.
- Planning and Zoning: It regulates land use and development within the local area.
- Public Health: Local government oversees public health initiatives and services.
- Education: It may have some responsibility for local schools and education policies.
Study Guide
Here are some key concepts to understand about local government:
- What is the role of the executive branch in local government?
- How does the legislative branch make decisions at the local level?
- What are some examples of public safety services provided by local government?
- Why is local government important for addressing the needs of the community?
- How does local government interact with state and federal government?
Understanding the structure and functions of local government is essential for being an informed and engaged citizen. It is important to recognize the impact that local government has on our daily lives and the importance of participating in local decision-making processes.
[Local Government] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Social Studies Worksheets and Study Guides Fourth Grade. Local Government
Study Guide
Local Government 
Worksheet/Answer key
Local Government Worksheet/Answer key
Local Government Worksheet/Answer key
Local Government
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)
POWER, AUTHORITY, AND GOVERNANCE
SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF HOW PEOPLE CREATE, INTERACT WITH, AND CHANGE STRUCTURES OF POWER, AUTHORITY, AND GOVERNANCE.
PROCESSES - Learners will be able to:
Ask and find answers to questions about power, authority, and governance in the school, community, and state.
National Standards for Civics and Government (NSCG)
What is Government and What Should It Do? What is government?
Defining government: Students should be able to provide a basic description of government. To achieve this standard, students should be able to
Describe government in terms of the people and groups who make, apply, and enforce rules and laws for others in their family, school, community, and nation and who manage disputes about them, e.g.,
City councils and mayors make, apply, and enforce rules and laws for their communities
Courts at all levels apply laws, manage disputes, and punish lawbreakers
How Does the Government Established by the Constitution Embody the Purposes, Values, and Principles of American Democracy? What are the major responsibilities of local governments?
Organization and major responsibilities of local governments: Students should be able to explain the most important responsibilities of their local government. To achieve this standard, students should be able to
Distinguish among national, state, and local governments
Describe how local government officials are chosen, e.g., election, appointment
How Does the Government Established by the Constitution Embody the Purposes, Values, and Principles of American Democracy? Who represents you in the legislative and executive branches of your local, state, and national governments?
Identifying members of government: Students should be able to identify the members of the legislative branches and the heads of the executive branches of their local, state, and national governments. To achieve this standard, students should be able to
Name the persons representing them at state and national levels in the legislative branches of government, e.g., representatives and senators in their state legislature and in Congress
Name the persons representing them at the executive branches of government, e.g., mayor, governor, president
What are the Roles of the Citizen in American Democracy? How should Americans select leaders?
Selecting leaders: Students should be able to explain and apply criteria useful in selecting leaders in their school, community, state, and nation. To achieve this standard, students should be able to
Identify the major duties, powers, privileges, and limitations of a position of leadership, e.g., class president, mayor, state senator, tribal chairperson, president of the United States