The following lists give examples of actions performed by each branch of government at four levels of government to show that each branch acts at all levels, but is described differently in differing contexts. (While the root purpose of the legislative branch remains the same at all levels, legislative actions are described differently at each level.)
Procedures for Federal and State governments are located in law and Constitutions. County, city and villages create independent charters for local government to specialize its features to accommodate needs of local population. Those selections can be reviewed by requesting a copy of the charter through a city clerk of courts or accessing it online through Municode. (associated with CivicPlus)
Charters make county and city governments independent while still being required to uphold federal and state constitutional and lawful guidelines. The following is not a legal resource or legal advice and only serves as a starting point for personal research on related issues.
Federal
Established by Article I of the U.S. Constitution. Enacts laws that govern the nation. Composed of the bicameral U.S. Congress—the House of Representatives (435 members) and the Senate (100 members)—it serves as the voice of the people. Beyond lawmaking, it holds critical powers, including controlling the federal budget, declaring war, regulating commerce, confirming presidential appointments, and conducting oversight of other branches
State
State legislation voted on by senators and representatives/assembly members in each of the 50 states. Citizens can vote directly on state laws via ballot measures. Enacts laws, approves state budgets, and provides oversight of the executive branch. Legislators research, draft, and vote on bills to establish public policy, while also serving as representatives for their specific districts. By controlling appropriations—the “power of the purse”—they determine how state funds are allocated to government programs, agencies, and services across the state
County
County’s legislative branch (often called a Board of Supervisors, County Commission, or Council) establishes local policy, enacts county ordinances, and manages fiscal responsibilities. This body holds the authority to adopt the annual county budget, levy taxes, appropriate funds for government operations, and shape public policy to address community needs. In many jurisdictions, they also provide essential oversight of county departments and services.
Municipal
Typically organized as a city council, it serves as the primary policymaking body for local government. Its core purpose is to enact ordinances and resolutions that protect public health, safety, and welfare. Additionally, it holds the authority to manage municipal financial affairs, including adopting annual budgets, levying taxes, and overseeing expenditures to ensure the effective operation of city services.
Federal
Implement, manage, and enforce federal laws passed by Congress. Led by the President, Vice President, and Cabinet, this branch oversees the day-to-day administration of government, conducts diplomacy, and directs the armed forces as Commander-in-Chief.
State
Implement, administer, and enforce laws enacted by the state legislature. Led by the governor, this branch manages the daily operations of state government through various departments, agencies, boards, and commissions. It also holds the authority to promulgate administrative rules to carry out these laws, oversees state programs, and exercises executive checks, such as the power to veto legislation.
County
The administrative core of county government, responsible for implementing policies, managing day-to-day operations, and enforcing laws. The county executive acts as chief administrative officer, overseeing non-elected department heads, preparing annual budgets for legislative approval, and ensuring county ordinances are faithfully executed. Functions similarly to a mayor or governor, providing strategic leadership to coordinate public services, economic development, and emergency responses.
Municipal
Enforces laws, administers daily operations, and implements the policies established by the legislative body (city council). Whether led by an elected mayor or city manager, essential public services, such as police, fire, sanitation, and public works, function effectively to meet residents’ needs while managing the city’s budget, contracts, and personnel.
Federal
Interpret the nation’s laws, apply them to specific legal cases, and ensure they align with the U.S. Constitution. By acting as an impartial arbiter, it resolves disputes between parties and serves as a vital check on the legislative and executive branches through the power of judicial review, ensuring that no branch exceeds its constitutional authority.
State
Serves as the system of courts responsible for interpreting state laws, settling legal disputes, and ensuring justice is administered impartially. It acts as a check on the legislative and executive branches by reviewing the constitutionality of laws and government actions. By presiding over criminal, civil, family, and probate cases, the judiciary protects individual rights, upholds the rule of law, and maintains order within society.
County
Primarily operates through circuit courts, serves to interpret and apply laws to resolve disputes impartially. These trial courts have original jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, including family, juvenile, probate, and traffic cases. By determining the facts of a case and applying the relevant legal statutes, the judicial branch ensures the rule of law is upheld, protects individual rights, and provides an orderly process for justice.
Municipal
Serves as a local court of limited jurisdiction, created to impartially adjudicate violations of city or town ordinances. Its primary purpose is to uphold the rule of law at the local level by resolving disputes, protecting individual rights, and maintaining public safety. These courts process high-volume, lower-level matters such as traffic citations, parking violations, building code infractions, and juvenile issues like truancy.