Local Government: Massachusetts

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to...

• Explain the major components of local government in Massachusetts, including the roles and functions of mayors, city councils, and school committees in cities; town managers, select boards, representative and open town meetings and school committees, in towns, and courts and sheriff’s departments in counties.
• Give examples of tax-supported facilities and services provided by the Massachusetts local governments. 
• Contrast the responsibilities of government at the federal, state, and local levels (e.g., protection of individual rights and the provision of services such as law enforcement, welfare payments, and the building and funding of schools).