Post on 13-Jan-2016
How do state How do state and local and local
governments governments work in New work in New
York?York?LESSON 3
What is Local Government?
• Lowest level of government in each state• Responsible for the day-to-day running of a
ward, district, county or city• Local authorities are usually elected• Responsibilities often include
– the provision of public transportation– public recreational facilities – the monitoring and enforcing of many
environmental regulations– raising/lowering taxes (especially property taxes)
Purposes of Local Government
• EDUCATION – school districts are a form of local government with elected boards
• FIRE PROTECTION – Fire departments are typically operated by local governments
• LAW ENFORCEMENT – police departments serve the people
• HEALTH – local health departments oversee immunization & disease control
• RECORDS – keepers of deeds, marriage licenses, motor vehicle/boating licensing
• SANITATION – provide trash and snow removal, water & sewer services; road & park maintenance
How do state and local governments fit into the federal
system?SIMILARITIES IN LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT Democratic form Popular, competitive elections Staffed by both appointed and elected officials Separation of powers Written constitutions Bicameral legislatures (except Nebraska) Revenue through taxation Court systems
How do state and local governments fit into the federal
system?DIFFERENCES FOUND IN STATE AND LOCAL SYSTEMS
People vote for officials and on major issues (ex: budgets)
Direct election for executive branch officials indirect election for President/Vice President on federal level
Party leaders have great influence over key legislative positions
Direct election for judges
Who are the key leaders in our state and local governments?
GOVERNOR Andrew CuomoAndrew CuomoLIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Bob DuffyBob Duffy
ATTORNEY GENERAL
Eric SchneidermanEric Schneiderman
COMPTROLLER Thomas DiNapoliThomas DiNapoliSPEAKER OF ASSEMBLY
Sheldon SilverSheldon Silver
SENATE MAJORITY COALITION
Dean Skelos & Jeff KleinDean Skelos & Jeff Klein
YOUR ASSEMBLYMAN
Tom McKevittTom McKevitt
YOUR STATE SENATOR
Kemp HannonKemp Hannon
Town Governments
Suffolk County– Town of Babylon– Town of Brookhaven– Town of East Hampton– Town of Huntington– Town of Islip– Town of Riverhead– Town of Shelter Island– Town of Smithtown– Town of Southampton– Town of Southold
Nassau County
– City of Glen Cove– Town of Hempstead– City of Long Beach– Town of North
Hempstead– Town of Oyster Bay
Town Governments
Suffolk County– Town of Babylon– Town of Brookhaven– Town of East Hampton– Town of Huntington– Town of Islip– Town of Riverhead– Town of Shelter Island– Town of Smithtown– Town of Southampton– Town of Southold
Nassau County
– City of Glen Cove– Town of
Hempstead– City of Long Beach– Town of North
Hempstead– Town of Oyster Bay
Town of Hempstead
Town Governments
Supervisor
Town Board(Council Members)
Town ClerkReceiver
of Taxes
Nassau County Government• County Executive: Edward Mangano
– Four-year term (elected 2009)– Chief administrator – Responsible for
• Law enforcement• Planning• Consumer protection• Roads• Parks and recreation facilities• Preparation of the budget
Nassau County Government
• District Attorney: Kathleen Rice– investigates and prosecutes violations
of criminal statutes (laws)
• County Comptroller: George Maragos – Monitors the county budget and
financial operations– “Chief Accountant” for Nassau County
Nassau County Government
• County Clerk: Maureen O’Connell – Assists county and state courts with legal documents– Maintains a record of real estate transactions
• County Assessor: James Davis (acting)– No longer an elected position– Establishes a value for land and improvements– Serves as the basis for property taxes– Assessment roll includes 423,000 properties in Nassau
County with land value of $264 billion
Nassau County Government
• County Legislature– Forms policies and
creates laws– 19 legislative districts in
Nassau County– Local representatives
serving Island Trees community
• 14th LD: Joseph Belesi• 15th LD: Dennis Dunne
New York State
• 3 branches of government– Executive Branch
•Governor Cuomo •Comptroller DiNapoli •Attorney General Schneiderman
Who can become the Chief Executive of New York State?
• GOVERNOR: The Chief Executive of a State– Must meet specific age,
citizenship, and residency requirements
– Most live in residences provided to them by the state or a state foundation
– Chosen by popular vote– Only a plurality is needed for
an election except in Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi (50% or more)
NEW YORK STATE REQUIREMENTS
•30 years of age
•United States citizen
•Resident for 5 years preceding election
GEORGE CLINTON
New York’s First Governor (1777-1795)
Who can become the Chief Executive of their state?
– GOVERNOR’S ADMINISTRATION: Consists of several other elected officials
• LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR: Bob Duffy
• ATTORNEY GENERAL: Eric Schneiderman
• COMPTROLLER: Thomas DiNapoli
Each of these are elected positions
What does the Governor do, anyway?
– POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR Issue executive orders Make appointments to other state
offices Prepare the state budget Veto legislation and exercise item
veto over particular items in bills Command the state national guard Grant pardons or reduce a
criminal’s jail sentence Help establish the legislature’s
agenda
New York’s Legislature
– Legislative Branch• New York State Senate
– Senator Kemp Hannon - District 6
• New York State Assembly– Tom McKevitt - 17th District
• New York State Congressional Delegation
– Pete King, 3rd District
NYS SENATE: “Upper House”
62 Legislative Districts
2-year terms
25-years-old minimum
NYS SENATE: “Upper House”
62 Legislative Districts
2-year terms
25-years-old minimumNYS ASSEMBLY: “Lower House”
150 Legislative Districts
2-year terms
21-years-old minimum
NYS ASSEMBLY: “Lower House”
150 Legislative Districts
2-year terms
21-years-old minimum
– Judicial Branch•New York State Unified Court System•Court of Appeals