Town, Township, and Village Governments

Intro

Many counties serve only as election districts

Real work of local government carried on by others

All counties must share local government with others

Development

Towns began in colonies Each colony received land

from the king Built homes and churches Edge of town -farms

As long as the farm was in the town limits, was part of the town

Development

New Amsterdam—set up village government

Outlying parts were not considered part of the village

Came under the rule of county government

As people pushed West, Pennsylvania settlements were called towns or boroughs

Early Town Govt

Town meeting—all residents, and people from surrounding farms meet to: Discuss issues and problems Decide how they should be handled

Every citizen had a chance to speak

Town Meetings Today

Usually held in spring A notice is posted Time and business to be

discussed

Town elections are held Selectmen Responsible for

managing the town’s affairs during the town meeting

Town Meetings Today

Voters discuss the town’s business- from past year to coming year

Elect moderator to preside over this part of the meeting Voters are asked for their

opinions When discussion ends,

they vote by voice

Representative

Representative Town Meeting: Voters elect representatives to attend the town meetings and make decisions for them

Work well in small areas

Some towns hire managers instead of having meetings

Township Govt

Early townships served same purpose as towns

Today Decreased in importance City and county govt has

taken over in some areas Townships have leader Voters elect board of

commissioners Constable—enforce laws,

justice of the peace, tries minor cases

Special Districts Must ask state for

charter Special districts have

been formed to meet many needs Sewage disposal, fire

protection, parks and recreation centers, libraries, and public transportation

Elected officials oversee the area

Most common is for schools

Village and Borough Governments

If Rural communities grow to 200-300 people

A request to establish a village must be sent to the state legislature

If approved, it permits the village to establish self-government

Governed by 3-9 member council

Board of trustees carry out law Most work part time