Chapter 13 Section 2 County Government

I. Local Governments In our federal system each city, town and county have its own local government Local governments have no powers from the Constitution Powers are granted to counties by State Charters – A charter is a plan of government

II. Organization of County Government  The County  Normally a state’s largest territorial and political subdivision Two states do not have counties Rhode Island Connecticut Los Angeles County Over 10 million residents Loving County, Texas 67 residents  County Seats  The towns were the county courthouse are located in

IV. County Officials  Sherriff  County law enforcement officers  District Attorneys  County’s chief legal officers  Investigates crimes  Brings charges against law breakers  Presents cases in courts  Coroner  Established the cause of unusual or suspicious deaths  Performs autopsies  County Clerk  Keeps officials records and supervises government elections  County Treasure  Supervises county funds

V. Growth of County Government First set up to provide a basic service that residence could not provide for themselves Growth of large cities – Forced many to suburbs – Found more services to begin Water Sewer Sanitation