Structure of the U.S. Government

County, city, village and town governments are more directly responsible for dozens of public services, including utilities, law enforcement, infrastructure, education, mail delivery, etc.  Public services are primarily provided by employed officials (such as civil servants, first responders, and administrative staff), while elected officials are responsible for setting the overarching policies, budgets, and laws that dictate how those services are delivered. 

Citizens being aware how government is structured locally and at higher levels, are more capable of interacting with appropriate officials associated with personal interests.  Knowing how positions are associated increases how effectively citizens can communicate with position holders.  Also how to seek position protocols online for a specific position, or seek applicable laws in legislation that relate to matters performed in office or on the job.

The U.S. system of government includes five or more distinct yet associated levels with specific functions: federal, state, county, city, village and town.  Local and county positions can be understood by asking questions at city hall or other centers, reviewing city or county charters online, and position roles can be found in State legislation.  State and Federal positions are described on multiple government based online websites and also found in legislation.

The legislative, executive and judicial branches, as explained in Articles 1, 2, and 3 of the U.S. Constitution, are present within Federal, State, County and local levels of government that provide public services. 

Federal Level  –  U.S. Constitution
Legislative  –  Article 1  (Congress) 
Executive  –  Article 2  (President)
Judicial  –  Article 3  (Courts)
Each state has an independent constitution and set of laws as members of the United States Republic that fall under Federal preemption, the National Constitution and Federal laws, in a non-contradictory manner.
State Level  –  Wisconsin Constitution
Legislative  –  Article 4  (Majority Leader Senate, Speaker of Assembly)
Executive  –  Article 5  (Governor)
Judicial  –  Article 7  (Chief Justice WI Supreme Court)
County Level
Legislative  (County Board of Supervisors)
Executive  (County Executive, Administrator, or Coordinator)
Judicial  (Circuit Courts)
Municipal Level (City/Village)
Legislative  (Common Council, City Board)
Executive  (Mayor/Manager/Board for cities, President/Board for Villages)
Judicial  (Municipal Court)
Unincorporated (Town)
Bound to State Legislation rather than Charter/Home Rule