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State and Local Government

State and local government is the part of the American system closest to daily life. States hold broad powers of their own, and they create and oversee the cities, counties, and districts that provide services such as schools, police, roads, and water. The topic covers how these governments are organized, who leads them, how they raise and spend money, and how they differ from place to place.

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October 5last updated

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Latest in State and Local Government

State Courts and Judicial Selection

How Private Judges Work in US Civil Courts

When civil disputes arise in the United States, the default path leads to the public court system. An alternative exists for those who can afford it:…

Public Health

About the Governors Public Health Alliance

On October 15, 2025, fifteen governors announced the Governors Public Health Alliance, a coalition designed to coordinate public health policy across states. The Alliance positions itself…

State and Local Government

Local Government Employment Liability

Local governments employ millions of Americans, from police officers and firefighters to teachers and sanitation workers. As employers, these government bodies must follow employment laws. They…

Topics in State and Local Government

All Articles on State and Local Government

What Are Unemployment Benefits?

Unemployment Insurance provides temporary income replacement to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The system operates through a…

25 Min Read

Best States Ranked: Economy, Health, Education, and Quality of Life

The question "What is the best state?" sparks endless American debates. The truth is that the best state for a tech entrepreneur seeking venture…

92 Min Read

When States Fight: How the Supreme Court Keeps the Peace

California and Arizona going to war over the Colorado River. New York blockading goods heading to New Jersey. These scenarios sound like alternate history…

28 Min Read

How to Contact Your Governor

Governor contact pages offer routes for policy opinions, agency complaints and meeting requests, with different limits on help, replies and privacy.

40 Min Read

State Tax Rules When Moving Between States

Moving to a new state changes more than your address - it changes your "tax home." This triggers complex rules that determine which state…

40 Min Read

Texas Walkouts: When Democrats Have Used Quorum-Busting to Block Republican Bills

In American politics, few tactics are as dramatic as the legislative walkout. In Texas, this maneuver—often called "quorum-busting"—has become a recurring political spectacle where…

29 Min Read

Why Texas Democrats Fled the State in 2025 to Block a GOP Map

In August 2025, dozens of Democratic lawmakers from the Texas House of Representatives boarded chartered planes in Austin, not for a legislative conference or…

30 Min Read

Should Texas Lawmakers Be Allowed to Break Quorum by Leaving the State?

In August 2025, the Texas Legislature came to a halt when dozens of Democratic lawmakers boarded planes out of state. Their dramatic exit wasn't…

24 Min Read

How Should Airbnb Be Regulated?

Airbnb has transformed from a startup offering air mattresses on a living room floor into a global hospitality powerhouse that reached a valuation of…

38 Min Read

How Should Uber Be Regulated?

When Uber launched, it called itself a technology company rather than a taxi service. This strategic distinction allowed the company to enter urban markets…

38 Min Read