SS8CG5 Local Governments
Due to the historically rural economy of Georgia resulting in few major cities, the county- based
government system of Georgia has been a mainstay in the state. As such, Georgia has the second most
counties in the United States (Texas is first). Arguably, the most important benefit of having a large
number of counties is that Georgia’s citizens have more representation in the state’s General
Assembly. This is due to the fact that each county has at least one representative.
Local Governments (CRCT Test Prep- page 188-192)
County Government
City Government
Number of counties in GeorgiaNumber of cities (includes towns and villages) in
Powers come fromHas the power to-
Georgia- 535
Note- Unlike other states, there is no legal difference
between a city, town, or village. This is because cities
and towns are approved and incorporated by the
General Assembly.
Another name for a city with its own government-
Powers come fromMost counties are headed by elected-
How long and when are they elected-
They have the power to-
List the elected officials that most counties have-
To receive a charter, an area must meet these
three requirements1.
2.
3.
What things can a city government do? Provide
examples.
List examples of appointed officials that many
counties have-
Note: One of the more colorful stories about why Georgia has so many counties is that the state set a limit on
county size by declaring that any farmer living in the county should be able to ride by horse or mule to the
county seat, conduct business, and ride back all within a day.
Describe each of the following forms of city government (CRCT Test Prep- page 191)
Mayor-Council Form
Weak Mayor
Council-Manager Form
Strong Mayor
Commission
Under the commission form
of government, the council
members ("commissioners")
are elected at large. A chair
is normally selected from
among the commissioners to
preside at their meetings and
to serve as the ceremonial
head of the commission. The
chair may be rotated on an
annual basis. The commission
form of government is unique
in that each elected
commissioner oversees one or
more departments (e.g.,
police, recreation,
water/sewer). Thus, this
form of government combines
legislative and executive
responsibilities.
(CRCT Test Prep- 192)
Define Special-Purpose Districts (Governments)-
Provide examples of Special-Purpose Districts (Governments)-
What do all Special Purpose Districts (Governments) have in common?
Local Government Working with State Agencies
In order for state agencies to fulfill their functions, they must work with local governments. For example, in
order for the Department of Labor to meet its goal of providing unemployment benefits and services, it has set
up 53 offices in cities throughout Georgia. Another example is the Georgia Bureau of Investigations working
with local law enforcement agencies to track down a suspected criminal.