What Makes Michigan’s Local Government System Unique?

What are the key elements of Michigan's local government organization?

Based on the data provided, what is the correct order, from smallest to largest, of Michigan's local government organization?

A. township, municipality, county

B. municipality, township, county

C. township, county, municipality

D. county, municipality, township

Answer:

The correct order, from smallest to largest, of Michigan's local government organization is option C: township, county, municipality.

Michigan's local government system is unique due to the order of its local government organization, which places townships at the smallest level, followed by counties, and then municipalities.

1. Township: Townships in Michigan are often referred to as civil townships and serve as the primary unit of local government in rural areas. They provide basic services such as road maintenance, fire protection, and law enforcement.

2. County: Counties in Michigan are administrative divisions that oversee multiple townships. They are responsible for services like public safety, courts, transportation infrastructure, and public health.

3. Municipality: Municipalities in Michigan are cities or villages that have their own local government and authority. They provide services such as utilities, parks and recreation, planning and zoning, and community development.

This unique organization allows for a clear hierarchy of governance, with townships handling local needs, counties coordinating services across townships, and municipalities managing urban areas with more specialized services.