What comes to mind when you think of your government? It may be the U.S. President or Congress, or your state’s governor or legislature. These are the parts of government that first come to mind for many people. They are in the news and media almost every day. While some see them as the most important levels of government, many residents engage much more frequently with their local governments than with offices at the state and national levels.
In the United States we have a federalist government. Federalism is the idea that not only one level government should hold all the authority and responsibilities, but that there should be multiple levels of government. The 18th century founders of the United States thought it was a good idea to divide up the powers of government so that governments would be more accountable and of greatest service to the people. Because of this, the United States has a federal government, with 50 state governments, and thousands of local governments within each state.
A local government is the government of a county, city, town, oo township, although in some states there are other names for these political jurisdictions. Towns, cities, countries and townships exist as divisions within a state. Indiana has 92 counties, and within these counties there are more than 500 municipalities including cities and towns. There are also 1008 townships in Indiana.
In addition to elected public officials, local governments in Indiana have many thousands of hired employees who fill many different and important kinds of jobs.
Local Government in Indiana
Within Indiana alone there are many local governments that take several forms. Indiana has 92 counties, more than 500 municipalities, and more than 1,000 townships. Each one is its own local government.
What is a county?
A county is a subdivision of the state government. Since the state is so big, it uses counties to deliver its services and to exercise its responsibilities more efficiently. This is why every county has a courthouse and sheriff. 92 counties also allow for diversity as each has its own government which can administer itself in its own way and pass its own laws according to the wishes of its voters. Lake County is an example of a county in Indiana.
What is a township?
A township is a subdivision of a county. Since counties are usually large themselves, townships help concentrate county government and services so that they reach citizens in every corner of the county. Ross Township is an example of a township in Lake County, Indiana.
What is a municipality?
A municipality can take many forms. Villages, towns, and cities are all municipalities. Municipalities are not divisions of the state government, they are their own organization which means they have special powers and responsibilities. Municipal government allows for urban and other communities to have their own government and services that counties and townships can’t deliver on their own. Merrillville is an example of a municipality (town) in Ross Township, Lake County, Indiana.
Who works in local government?
Each of these government units has its own powers, its own responsibilities, and its own elected officials. Local governments, however, are much more than only a county council or commission member, city mayor, town administrator, or township trustee – to name just a few examples. Every unit of local government employs its own work force to provide services effectively and meet communty needs. Government employees are the lifeblood of local communities because without them, local governments could not get their work done.