Local Government Structure Overview

A legal document that outlines the organization, powers, and responsibilities of a municipality.

A local government unit that is usually governed by a mayor and council.

Laws and regulations created by a city council to govern a city's operations and community behavior.

Responsible for providing essential services like water, sewer, electricity, education, public safety, public welfare, and land use management.

Sources of income for a local government, such as sales tax, property taxes, and fees.

The governing body of a county, typically composed of elected officials.

The relationship between different levels of government (local, state, national, international) and their shared responsibilities.

The role of government in maintaining order and providing essential services for its citizens.

A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.

A legislative body with two chambers or houses. In the United States, this is the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The lower house of Congress, with representation based on population size. Larger states have more representatives.

The upper house of Congress, with each state having two senators regardless of population.

The process by which a proposed bill becomes law. Starting from introduction to final presidential approval.

The ability of Congress to control federal spending and taxation, including levying taxes and borrowing money.

The House of Representatives' power to bring formal charges against federal officials, including the President, for serious offenses like treason.

Congress's role in monitoring and investigating the actions of the executive branch, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Powers granted to Congress that are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution but are necessary for carrying out its enumerated powers.

The part of the Constitution that establishes the executive branch, granting the President the authority to execute federal laws and manage the executive branch.

The President's duty to ensure that all laws passed by Congress are properly implemented and enforced.

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government, often used to address urgent issues. These do not require Congressional approval.

The President's role as the head of the armed forces. They direct military operations and make decisions regarding national defense.

The process by which Congress officially declares war. It involves joint approval from both houses of Congress.

A legal principle that limits local governments to only those powers explicitly granted by the state government.

The power of local governments to take private property for public use, with fair compensation provided to the owner.

The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution reserves any powers not specifically granted to the federal government to the states.

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

The legislative branch of Iowa's government, composed of the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives.

The process of amending the Iowa Constitution, requiring approval from two consecutive legislative sessions and a public vote.

The head of Iowa's executive branch responsible for enforcing state laws.

The Governor's power to reject bills passed by the legislature, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote.

The branch of Iowa's government responsible for interpreting laws and resolving disputes.

The court where most cases start in Iowa, with appeals going to higher courts.

The highest court in Iowa, reviewing cases for significant legal errors.

A specialized court in Iowa dealing with cases involving children, including neglect, abuse, and delinquency.

Cases where a child needs protection due to neglect or abuse.

Cases where the legal relationship between a parent and child is terminated.

Cases where a child commits acts that would be criminal for adults.

The President negotiates treaties with other nations, but they must be ratified by the Senate with a two-thirds majority.

Formal agreements between nations that require Senate approval to take effect.

Agreements made by the President with other nations that don't require Senate approval.

The President's annual address to Congress outlining the administration's plans and priorities for the nation.

The power of the President to forgive someone for a crime and remove the punishment.

The group of advisors composed of heads of executive departments who help the President make decisions.

The head of the executive department responsible for managing foreign affairs.

The head of the executive department responsible for overseeing national security and the military.

The power of the executive branch to create and enforce rules that affect various sectors.

Government agencies established by Congress to regulate specific areas and enforce laws.

The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring it's applied fairly.

The trial courts of the federal judiciary where most federal cases are first heard.

The courts that review decisions made by lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly.

The highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal law.

The ability of the Supreme Court to strike down laws or actions that violate the Constitution.

Sovereignty is the right of a tribal government to govern itself independently from state and local authorities, while still being subject to federal law. This allows tribes to maintain their cultural identities and self-determination.

Tribes that have a formal relationship with the US government, granting them certain rights like self-governance, funding for essential services, and treaty negotiation.

It's the principle of collective defense where an aggression against one member of the alliance is considered an attack on all members. This strengthens solidarity and encourages mutual support.

The EU promotes integration and cooperation among its European member states. It aims to create a single market for goods, services, capital, and people, fostering economic growth within the region.

The EU develops and enforces laws that its member states must follow. These laws cover various aspects like trade, environment, and consumer protection, ensuring a unified legal framework.

The World Bank provides financial assistance, technical expertise, and research to developing countries. It aims to reduce poverty and promote their economic development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) sets international health standards, coordinates disease control, and conducts research on global health issues. It's responsible for addressing global health challenges.

The UN deploys peacekeeping forces to conflict zones to help maintain peace and security, facilitate negotiations, and manage ceasefires.

The UN promotes human rights through treaties and organizations, like the UN Human Rights Council. It monitors violations and ensures accountability for human rights abuses.

The UN provides development assistance to countries through organizations like the UNDP. It focuses on poverty reduction, education, and health, helping countries achieve sustainable development goals.

The UN coordinates international responses to humanitarian crises, providing essential aid like food, shelter, and medical care through organizations like the WFP.

NATO facilitates military cooperation and joint exercises among member states, enhancing their interoperability and readiness to respond to threats.

NATO conducts military operations and missions to manage crises, including peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and disaster relief efforts.

The Red Cross provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and health services to communities affected by crises.

The Red Cross provides a range of health services like blood donation drives and first aid training, promoting health and safety within communities.