<aside> <img src="/icons/government_blue.svg" alt="/icons/government_blue.svg" width="40px" /> usa - gov. - local
Each type of local government operates under state laws and regulations, which can vary significantly from one state to another. The structure and responsibilities of local governments are designed to meet the specific needs of communities while adhering to state and federal legal frameworks.
| Local Government | Executive Branch | Legislative Branch | Judicial Branch | Focus | Key Services | Description | Number | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| County | Board of Commissioners or Supervisors | Board of Commissioners | Part of state judiciary | Regional services | Public health, law enforcement, road maintenance | Largest administrative division within a state | 3,000+ counties in the United States | Los Angeles County |
| Municipal (City/Town) | Mayor (Mayor-Council or Council-Manager) | City/Town Council | Local municipal courts, part of state judiciary | Local services | Police, fire departments, public works, zoning | Administrative division within a county for a city/town | 19,000+ municipalities in the United States | City of Los Angeles |
| District | Board of Trustees or Directors | Board of Trustees or Directors | Not directly involved; legal matters handled by state courts | Specialized functions | School services, water supply, parks and recreation | Areas for specific functions (schools, water, etc.) | Varies by state, typically thousands | Local School District |
| Township | Board of Trustees or Supervisors | Board of Trustees or Supervisors | Part of state judiciary | Rural services | Road maintenance, local zoning, sometimes police | Subdivision of a county, often rural | 16,000+ townships in the United States | Township in rural Ohio |
| Judicial District | State-appointed judges and administrators | Not applicable | State-appointed judges and administrators | Justice administration | Court services, administration of justice | Regions for state court system | Varies by state, typically hundreds | State's 3rd Judicial District Court |
Boroughs are specific administrative divisions found in certain states or regions. They can function similarly to municipalities or townships, offering local governance and services. However, their roles and structures vary widely depending on the state or region.
For instance, in Alaska, boroughs serve as primary local governments. In other states such as Pennsylvania or New York, boroughs exist as subdivisions within larger counties, each with defined rights and responsibilities under state law.
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<aside> <img src="/icons/government_blue.svg" alt="/icons/government_blue.svg" width="40px" /> usa - gov. - local
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