Local Government Structures and Functions

This video tutorial explores the types of local government, including counties, townships, towns, special districts, and cities. It explains the roles and powers of local governments, which are created by states to meet community needs. The video also covers the different plans of city government, such as the mayor-council, council-manager, and commission plans, highlighting their origins, functions, and effectiveness. The importance of citizen involvement in local government is emphasized throughout.

What is the primary reason local governments were first established?

• To enforce federal laws

• To meet the daily needs of citizens

• To collect taxes for the state

• To manage international relations

Which of the following is NOT a typical role of county governments?

• Maintaining law and order

• Collecting taxes

• Managing international trade

• Running hospitals

In New England towns, what is the closest form of government to direct democracy?

• Town meetings

• State legislatures

• Federal councils

• County boards

What is a special district primarily created for?

• To provide a single service

• To oversee federal programs

• To enforce state laws

• To manage multiple cities

What is a common feature of municipalities?

• They are created by federal law

• They provide services like subways and parks

• They are all governed by a single leader

• They are only found in rural areas

Which plan of city government is designed to operate like a business?

• Commission plan

• Federal plan

• Mayor-council plan

• Council-manager plan

What is the role of a city manager in the council-manager plan?

• To oversee the police department

• To prepare the budget and manage city operations

• To act as the legislative body

• To serve as the executive leader

Which city government plan was first implemented in Galveston, Texas?

• Mayor-council plan

• Council-manager plan

• Commission plan

• Federal plan

What distinguishes a strong mayor plan from a weak mayor plan?

• The council has more legislative powers

• The mayor has more executive powers

• The mayor is appointed by the council

• The council is elected by the mayor

Why did many cities move away from the commission plan?

• It was too expensive to maintain

• It lacked a single leader to manage the budget

• It was unpopular with citizens

• It was not approved by the state