Chapter 14 – Counties, Cities, Villages & Townships
Local government is where most people experience government directly. It is where decisions about roads, parks, police, schools, and services happen close to home. In this chapter, we explore the structure of some specific types of local government in Ohio, including counties, cities, villages, and townships and the services they provide.
You will see how these governments are organized and funded.
Throughout this chapter, we connect these ideas to real people working in local government today, including several Levin School alumni who hold leadership positions in Northeast Ohio. As you read, think about how these systems of government affect your daily life and how you can participate in shaping the future of your community.
Foundational Facts
The framers of the U.S. Constitution believed that local matters, such as public safety, health, and infrastructure, are best managed by state and local governments rather than the federal government.
Federalist No. 17 by Alexander Hamilton noted that people will naturally feel more connected to their local governments, which directly impact their daily lives. By leaving local governance to the states and the people, the framers empowered citizens to influence the decisions that shape their everyday experiences.
