What is state and local government?

State and Local Government: Structure and Responsibilities

State and local governments play a crucial role in the United States’ federal system, providing essential services and functions to their citizens. They derive their authority from the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people (Open DC, 2020).

Structure of State and Local Government

State governments mirror the federal government’s structure, comprising three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial (White House, n.d.). The executive branch, led by a governor elected by the people, includes other officials such as the lieutenant governor and attorney general (Open DC, 2020).

Key Facts

Structure: State governments are modeled after the federal government and consist of three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial. Local governments generally include two tiers – counties (or boroughs/parishes) and municipalities (cities/towns).
Executive Branch: In every state, the executive branch is headed by a governor who is directly elected by the people. Other leaders in the executive branch, such as lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, etc., are also directly elected in most states.
Legislative Branch: All 50 states have legislatures made up of elected representatives who create legislation that becomes law. Most states have a bicameral legislature with an upper house (Senate) and a lower house (House of Representatives/Assembly). Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral legislature.
Judicial Branch: State judicial branches are usually led by the state supreme court, which hears appeals from lower-level state courts. State supreme courts focus on correcting errors made in lower courts and rulings made by them are normally binding. Matters inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court.
Local Government Responsibilities: Local governments are responsible for various services and functions, including parks and recreation, police and fire departments, housing services, emergency medical services, municipal courts, transportation services, and public works.
Economic Significance: State and local government budgets are significant and represent a sizable portion of the economy. State and local governments collected and spent amounts equal to 13.1 percent and 14.7 percent of GDP, respectively. They have control over the efficient and effective use of public funds.
Budget Priorities: State budgets focus on public welfare and postsecondary education, while local budgets are dominated by K-12 education. Public welfare programs and K-12 education receive substantial funding from state and local governments.
Use of Cost-Benefit Analysis: States differ in their use of cost-benefit analysis for policy-making. Some states, like Washington, New Mexico, and Colorado, use cost-benefit analysis in multiple policy areas, while others, like California and Georgia, do not use it at all.

The legislative branch consists of elected representatives who create laws. Most states have a bicameral legislature with a Senate and a House of Representatives or Assembly (White House, n.d.). Nebraska is an exception, operating with a unicameral legislature (Open DC, 2020).

The judicial branch, headed by the state supreme court, adjudicates appeals from lower courts and ensures the correction of errors (White House, n.d.). State supreme court rulings are generally binding, but matters involving the U.S. Constitution may be appealed to the United States Supreme Court (Open DC, 2020).

Local governments typically have two tiers: counties (or boroughs/parishes) and municipalities (cities/towns) (White House, n.d.). Counties are responsible for administering local roads, regulating industry, and raising funds (Open DC, 2020). Municipalities oversee services such as parks, police and fire protection, housing, emergency medical services, and public works (White House, n.d.).

Responsibilities of State and Local Government

State and local governments have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

EducationStates provide funding for K-12 and postsecondary education (White House, n.d.).
Public WelfareStates administer programs such as Medicaid and Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) (White House, n.d.).
InfrastructureStates and local governments invest in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public transportation (Congressional Budget Office, 2018).
Public SafetyLocal governments provide police and fire protection services (White House, n.d.).
Economic DevelopmentStates and local governments implement policies to promote economic growth and job creation (Open DC, 2020).

Economic Significance of State and Local Government

State and local government spending represents a significant portion of the U.S. economy (Brookings, 2019). In 2017, state and local governments collected and spent 13.1 percent and 14.7 percent of GDP, respectively (Brookings, 2019). These funds are used to provide essential services and infrastructure, contributing to the overall economic well-being of communities.

Conclusion

State and local governments are integral to the functioning of the United States’ federal system. Their structure and responsibilities vary across jurisdictions, but they all play a vital role in providing services, promoting economic development, and ensuring the well-being of their citizens.

References

Brookings Institution. (2019). Nine facts about state and local policy. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/nine-facts-about-state-and-local-policy/
Congressional Budget Office. (2018). Infrastructure investment: Issues for Congress. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/54446
Open DC. (2020). State and local government basics. Retrieved from https://www.open-dc.gov/documents/state-and-local-government-basics
The White House. (n.d.). State and local government. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/state-local-government/

FAQs

What is the role of state and local government in the United States?

State and local governments play a crucial role in the U.S. federal system, providing essential services and functions to their citizens. They derive their authority from the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.

What are the different levels of local government?

Local governments typically have two tiers: counties (or boroughs/parishes) and municipalities (cities/towns). Counties are responsible for administering local roads, regulating industry, and raising funds. Municipalities oversee services such as parks, police and fire protection, housing, emergency medical services, and public works.

What are the key responsibilities of state government?

State governments have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Education: Providing funding for K-12 and postsecondary education.
Public Welfare: Administering programs such as Medicaid and Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF).
Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and public transportation.
Public Safety: Establishing and maintaining law enforcement agencies.
Economic Development: Implementing policies to promote economic growth and job creation.

What are the key responsibilities of local government?

Local governments have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

Providing police and fire protection services.
Maintaining local roads and infrastructure.
Regulating land use and zoning.
Providing parks and recreation services.
Managing waste disposal and recycling.

How are state and local governments funded?

State and local governments are funded through a combination of taxes, fees, and intergovernmental transfers from the federal government. States primarily rely on sales and income taxes, while local governments rely on property taxes and user fees.

What is the difference between a mayor and a city manager?

A mayor is an elected official who serves as the head of a city or town government. A city manager is a professional administrator who is appointed by the city council to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city government.

What is the role of the county sheriff?

The county sheriff is an elected official who is responsible for law enforcement in unincorporated areas of the county. The sheriff also provides security for the county courthouse and jail.

What is the difference between a charter county and a general law county?

A charter county is a county that has adopted its own charter, which gives it more autonomy from the state government. A general law county operates under the general laws of the state and has less autonomy.