Powers and Responsibilities of State and Local Governments

National defense is a power delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, while education, public health, and criminal justice are powers reserved to the states.

Local governments are responsible for providing public services such as water and sewer, garbage collection, and police and fire protection.

Declaring war is a power reserved to the federal government, while zoning, taxation, and eminent domain are powers typically granted to local governments.

State governments have authority over local governments because they are created by state law and can be dissolved by state law.

Operating the postal service is a responsibility of the federal government, while providing public education, regulating elections, and maintaining state highways are responsibilities of state governments.

Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for state and local governments, followed by sales taxes and income taxes.

Foreign policy is a power reserved to the federal government, while zoning, education, and public health are powers typically shared by state and local governments.

The governor is the head of state and government in a state, and is responsible for executing the laws of the state and representing the state in official functions.

Declaring war is a power reserved to the federal government, while vetoing legislation, appointing state officials, and commanding the state militia are powers typically granted to state governors.

The mayor is the head of government in a local government, and is responsible for executing the laws of the local government and representing the local government in official functions.

Declaring war is a power reserved to the federal government, while vetoing legislation, appointing local officials, and commanding the local police force are powers typically granted to mayors.

State legislatures are responsible for passing laws, appropriating funds, and overseeing the executive branch.

Declaring war is a power reserved to the federal government, while levying taxes, borrowing money, and ratifying treaties are powers typically granted to state legislatures.

Local legislative bodies are responsible for passing ordinances, appropriating funds, and overseeing the executive branch.

Declaring war is a power reserved to the federal government, while zoning, taxation, and issuing business licenses are powers typically granted to local legislative bodies.