Chapter 10 – State Agencies
Introduction
This chapter explores the roles that state agencies play in Ohio’s government. These agencies are important extensions of the executive branch, tasked with implementing laws and delivering essential services to the public. From maintaining transportation infrastructure to overseeing public health initiatives, state agencies like the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Health are instrumental in improving the quality of life for Ohio residents.
Readers will learn how these agencies operate, the variety of functions they perform, and the importance of their work in ensuring effective governance and public welfare. You will learn how state agencies deliver services, develop regulations, monitor for compliance, provide expert insights, and educate the public on important matters related to their work.
A significant focus of this chapter is the role of civic engagement in state government. By examining how government employees view the public as customers, partners, and citizens, we can better understand the diverse strategies used to interact with and involve the public in government processes. This chapter highlights the importance of public participation in decision-making and how such engagement can lead to more democratic and accepted outcomes. Examples such as town hall meetings illustrate how collaborative efforts between the public and government can result in enhanced community safety and more inclusive policymaking.
Foundational Facts
While the Ohio Constitution establishes the executive branch broadly, the specific creation, structure, and responsibilities of agencies like the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Health are detailed in the Ohio Revised Code, specifically in Title I. The Ohio Revised Code is a collection of laws enacted by the General Assembly that govern the state. This legislative approach allows the General Assembly to establish, modify, and regulate state agencies based on Ohio’s evolving needs.
