Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be able to

  • Identify the three main types of local government and how they are different,
  • Describe the three basic forms of county government,
  • Explain the four basic governance systems used by municipalities,
  • Summarize Dillon’s Rule and how it shapes the relationship between state and local governments, and
  • Discuss how politics and political participation are different at the local level compared with the state and federal levels of government.