STATELOCAL GOVERNMENT

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STATE/LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Some Problems

• Fragmented authorities with overlapping
  jurisdictions
• Lack of Resources
• Unhappy electorate

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Participation at Local Level

• Elections are often nonpartisan
• May be more issue oriented
• Policymakers may not be as removed from electorate

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Historical Background

• Early America saw a rejection of strong
  executives in response to colonial rule
• Election of Jackson saw an expansion of politics
  to most white males
• Development of political machines
• Progressive era was a response to the machines
  and corruption of politics

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State Governments

• Traditionally responsible for education, public
  health, criminal justice
• Also play role in administering federal policies
  (welfare, envir.)
• All have their own constitution

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State Constitutions

• Historically, concerned w/ central authority
• Office of governor was weak
• All have a bill of rights, specify separation of
  powers, two legislative chamber
• Trend has been to strengthen these institutions
  in order to govern
• Tend to be longer than the national Constitution
  and amended frequently

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Govenors

• Most visible state elected official (executive)
• Set agendas and budget
• Most have strengthened the office
• Veto legislation
• many have line-item veto authority
• Call special legislative sessions
• Appoint officials
• Grant pardons and commute sentences

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State Legislatures

• Responsibilities here have also increased and in
  many states this is a full-time position
• Legislatures pass laws, monitor the
  implementation of laws and consent on
  appointments
• Organization
• All but one have two houses
• Number of seats varies considerably
• Have committees
• parties are a little stronger

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State Courts

• Structure specialized and municipal trial
  courts, circuit or county trial courts,
  intermediate appellate courts, courts of last
  resort
• Selection of judges
• elections for specific terms (some partisan)
• governors nominate and are confirmed
• Missouri Plan

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Formal Basis of PowerLocal Governments

• Can exist only if they are authorized and
  recognized by their state government
• States specify the types of local governments and
  their powers
• e.g., city, village, county, etc.
• General purpose municipality has broad powers to
  make laws
• Special districts are limited to a single policy
  area (e.g., library service)

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Structure of Local Governments

• About 90,000 ranging from large cities to small
  villages
• Counties -- encompass other jurisdictions and are
  administrative instruments for states as well as
  having their own authority
• Municipalities -- cities or towns
• Special districts (e.g., school districts, parks,
  etc.)

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Executive and Legislatures

• Most have all or some
• Elected executive (e.g., mayor)
• Elected council/commission
• Appointed manager (in response to political
  machines and efforts of good govt)

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Funding

• Largest spending for state govt is aid to local
  govt units for local govt it is toward
  education
• Money comes from
• Intergovernmental aid
• Sales tax, property tax, income tax, excise tax
• User fees
• Lotteries
• Bonds