C3.3(4) Local government – Receives its power from state govt’s – Charter Basic plan of local gov’t that defines its powers, responsibilities, and organization – Municipality Operates like a business – Has legal status of a corporation » own property » Make contracts » Sue and be sued in court

C3.3(4) Why we need local gov’t – Water – Sidewalks – Trash collection – Street cleaning – Snow removal – Transportation

C3.3(4) Ordinance – Regulations a local gov’t can pass – Has the force of law – Must not conflict with state or national laws

C3.3(4) County Gov’t – Each state is divided into counties – Historically began in south for agricultural reasons – Largest unit of local gov’t Called “parishes” in Louisiana Called “boroughs” in Alaska 83 counties in Michigan SS Marie in Chippewa County – Help state gov’t collect taxes – Provide roads, schools, law enforcement

C3.3(4) Counties (cont’d) – Sheriff Law enforcement – County Clerk Keeps records for County Board – Births, deaths, marriages, election results – District Attorney Represents that state in country trials

C3.3(4) Towns – Historically began in New England as land grants from the King of England – Included houses and churches and surrounding farms Villages – Historically began in New Amsterdam (modern- day NY) – Did not include surrounding farms

C3.3(4) Cities in the U.P. – Population of 10,000 or more – SS Marie – Marquette – Escanaba Villages in the E.U.P. – Rudyard – Brimley