SOL CE 8 and 10: The Basics

Who are the legislative leaders for a county government in Virginia?

• General Assembly

• Congress

• Council

• Board of Supervisors

Answer explanation

Each county has an elected board of supervisors. They make ordinances and help to determine local taxes.

Who are the legislative leaders for a city or town?

• Senate

• Parliament

• Congress

• Council

Answer explanation

Each city or town has a council which makes ordinances and determines local taxes.

Who is the executive leader for a city or town?

• President

• Governor

• Mayor

• Administrator

Answer explanation

The mayor of a town or city has the roles of overseeing executive operations and preparing a budget that must be approved by the legislative branch.

Who is the executive leader for a county?

• President

• Governor

• Mayor

• Administrator

Answer explanation

The administrator of a county has the roles of overseeing executive operations and preparing a budget that must be approved by the legislative branch.

What are the local government organizations for Virginia?

• District

• County

• City

• Region

• Town

Answer explanation

Cities, counties, and towns all have formal governments. Towns however are not separate entities and operate in many ways as part of a county. Example Town of Blacksburg and Town of Christiansburg operate as part of Montgomery County.

What positions must every local government elect? Choose all that apply.

• Judges

• Sheriff

• School Board

• Treasurer

• Clerk of the Circuit Court

Answer explanation

Local governments must elect all of the following.

- Sheriff

- Clerk of the Circuit Court

- Commissioner of Revenue

- Treasurer

- School Board

Local governments exercise which of the following powers? Choose all that apply.

• Educating children.

• Funding the military.

• Regulating land use.

• Levying and collecting taxes.

• Establishing a postal system.

Answer explanation

Local governments have limited powers that include...

- Enforcing state and local laws/ordinances

- Promoting public health

- Protecting public safety

- Educating children

- Protecting the environment

- Regulating land use.

- Levying and collecting taxes.

Where do local governments get their powers?

• U.S. Constitution

• Federal Laws

• General Assembly

• State / State Constitution

Answer explanation

Local governments operate and use powers given to them by the state. Different localities have different powers based on needs.

At what level of government do individuals exercise the most influence?

• National

• State

• Local

• Regional

Answer explanation

Local governments serve a smaller number of people and for this reason individuals may have more influence on their decisions. They are also located near their homes so access is greater.

The powers of a city government are listed where?

• Amendment

• Article

• Charter

• Constitution

Answer explanation

Each city has a charter which lists the powers that it has been granted by the state.