Legal Definitions - local government law

Definition:Local government law refers to the laws and regulations that govern the establishment, organization, and operation of local governments such as cities, villages, counties, and towns. These laws are established by the state and determine the authority of local governments in relation to other units of local government and the state government.

For example, in the United States, each state has its own set of laws that govern local governments. These laws determine how local governments are established, how their governing bodies are elected, and what powers they have. For instance, in some states, local governments have the power to levy taxes, while in others, they do not.

Another example is the relationship between local governments and state governments. Local governments are subordinate to state governments, which means that they must follow state laws and regulations. However, local governments also have some degree of autonomy and can make their own laws and regulations as long as they do not conflict with state law.

Overall, local government law plays a crucial role in ensuring that local governments operate effectively and efficiently while also maintaining a balance of power between local and state governments.