Module 10: State and Local Government

Virginia’s state government has many similarities to the national government, including the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Virginia’s chief executive officer is the governor, whose responsibilities are similar to those of the U.S. President, only at a regional level. The role of the lieutenant governor is similar to that of the U.S. Vice President, only at a regional level. The attorney general of Virginia is also part of the executive branch and serves as the chief legal officer of the state. The General Assembly, consisting of Virginia’s House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia, is the legislative branch of Virginia state government. The judicial branch of Virginia is divided into four tiers: general district courts, circuit courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court of Virginia. These courts work to administer justice in the state of Virginia.

The General Assembly has the power to establish three different types of local governments to perform political functions in regional areas throughout Virginia: counties, cities, and towns. Dillon’s rule is used to outline the powers of these local governments and establish their relationship to Virginia’s state government. As detailed in Dillon’s rule, county, city, and town governments are only authorized to take actions which are approved by the General Assembly.

One of the most important aspects of state and local governments is the amount of influence available to average citizens. At the regional level, citizens can meet with their representatives personally, serve on a commission or board with them, or speak to them directly at a public hearing held in their community. As a result, citizens are often able to have a greater impact on public policy of their state and local governments

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