Category: Politics – This Explainer

Treaty Reservations

Legislative Riders

Line-Item Veto

Citizen Suits

Public Interest Litigation

State constitutions establish the basic rules, institutions, and rights of each state government.

A city council is a municipality’s governing body for local lawmaking, policy, and other responsibilities established by state law and its charter.

School boards govern public school districts through collective policy and oversight decisions within the authority provided by law.

Home rule gives local governments a measure of authority to manage their own affairs within a state-defined legal framework.

County governments provide regional administration and public services, with powers and responsibilities defined largely by state law.

Municipal bonds let states and local public entities borrow money for infrastructure and other authorized purposes.

Zoning sets local rules for permitted land uses and the physical form of development.