County Government Reading and Response
County Governments
1. How are counties created in the United States, and what is their primary role?
2. What is the common term used for counties in the state of Louisiana, and what are
they called in Alaska?
3. How do county governments act as a bridge between their residents and the state?
4. What is intergovernmental cooperation, and how does it relate to the provision of
services by different levels of government?
Following the Money
1. What are the three main sources of funding for county governments?
2. Why is property tax a significant source of revenue for counties?
3. What are unfunded mandates, and how can they affect county governments?
4. Give an example of revenue that may come with restrictions on how it must be
spent within the county budget.
5. What actions can county governments take if their budgets don't balance?
spread of powers to keep away tyranny
Parishes boroughs
Health Services Public works elections Public safety
various levels of government work together
Property taxes sales taxes fees
counties make the most money this way
mandatory helps run the county
Grants
balancing acts
