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How government works

Levels of government

Federal, state, county and city: who does what.

Levels of governmentEach level has its own elected officials, laws and budget. Federal law is supreme where the Constitution gives the federal government power. Steps: Federal; State; County; City / town; Special districts1FederalCongress, the President, federal courts: defense, Social Security, immigration, interstate commerce, federal taxes.2StateLegislature, governor, state courts: most criminal law, education standards, licensing, highways, Medicaid.3CountyCommissioners or a board: courts and jails, elections, property records, roads, public health.4City / townCouncil and mayor: police, zoning, water, parks, local streets.5Special districtsSchool boards, water, transit and other districts with their own boards.
Levels of government
  1. Federal: Congress, the President, federal courts: defense, Social Security, immigration, interstate commerce, federal taxes.
  2. State: Legislature, governor, state courts: most criminal law, education standards, licensing, highways, Medicaid.
  3. County: Commissioners or a board: courts and jails, elections, property records, roads, public health.
  4. City / town: Council and mayor: police, zoning, water, parks, local streets.
  5. Special districts: School boards, water, transit and other districts with their own boards.

Sharing power this way is called federalism. When you have a question, start with the level that actually decides it. Use the picker at the top of every page to jump to federal, state, district or county.

Words used here

Federalism
The sharing of power between a national government and state governments. Each level has its own powers, and some powers are shared. Counties and cities get their powers from their state.
Jurisdiction
The area or the matters a government or court has authority over.
Legislature
The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).

Official sources

A simplified overview written by PSI Sci editors from the sources above. Details vary, and exceptions exist. Other guides: How a federal bill becomes law · How a state bill becomes law · The federal budget process · Authorization vs. appropriation · Rulemaking and the Federal Register · Ballot measures and propositions · How to contact officials effectively