The Capable County Icivics Answer Key Pdf (2024)

FAQs

Have counties adapted to meet the needs of the communities they serve? ›

Counties have adapted to meet the needs of the communities they serve. Counties all across the United States are managed the same way. Most of counties' money comes from the federal government. The first counties were units of government created as "districts."

The term "county" is used in 48 states, while Louisiana and Alaska have functionally equivalent subdivisions called parishes and boroughs, respectively.

Sometimes the federal or state government make counties provide certain services but don't give counties any money to pay for those services. These demands are called unfunded mandates because they are mandated (ordered) but not funded (paid for).

County Powers

Many additional powers have been granted to counties by the Legislature. The powers of a county can only be exercised by the Board of Supervisors or through officers acting under the authority of the Board or authority conferred by law.

The first county government in America was formed in 1634 at James City, Virginia. Soon the Commonwealth of Virginia boasted eight counties, with many more added throughout Virginia's colonial history. The colony's western border was undefined; in theory, at least, Virginia extended to the Pacific Ocean.

Counties Provide State and Municipal Services

These include some programs of state interest, such as public health and social services, as well as municipal services provided to residents of unincorporated areas of the county.

The State of Delaware comprises 3 counties.

The only two states in the US without counties are Alaska and Louisiana.

Who Runs a County? Ultimately, the citizens of each county decide who runs their government by electing a board of county commissioners to govern the county. In most counties, commissioners serve four-year terms, but a few counties use two-year terms or a combination of two- and four-year terms.

Why do counties exist? ›

County governments were originally created by the state to give citizens greater access to government services. ... As a result, the state created counties, and the governor appointed justices of the peace to oversee each county and carry out the mandated policies and services of state government.

County governments serve a larger geographical area than cities and towns, but a smaller area than states. They are created by the state government and typically operate under provisions set out in the state constitution.

Tax revenues are an important source of funding for both county and city services. In addition to local taxes, counties rely significantly on tax dollars allocated from the state and federal governments. A special tax is a tax imposed for a specific purpose.

Explanation: Commissioners have the most power in county government. They are elected officials who make policy decisions, approve budgets, and oversee the operation of county departments.

All State governments are modeled after the Federal Government and consist of three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all States uphold a “republican form” of government, although the three-branch structure is not required.

Counties establish important local laws (ordinances) and enforce laws that protect citizens from harmful behavior. They also encourage citizens and businesses to get involved in their communities.

Different states had different needs for government to meet. The states all got along with each other. When planning for the Constitution, everybody agreed the central government should have more power. States were still independent under the Articles.

Counties are one of America's original forms of government, dating back to 1634 when the first county governments (shires) were established in Virginia.