Fundamentals of Government

Bill Ebel, City ManagerCity of Overland Park, KS

Fundamentals of Government

Objectives:

• Understand the three branches of government and their respective responsibilities

• Understand the public works role in local government

Democratic Ideals

Agreement or consensus (majority rules….)

Deliberation

Negotiation

Decision (voting….)

Separation of powers

Why Is There Government ?

Self protection (police, military,…)

Public infrastructure (sanitation, water, energy)

Economic prosperity (trade, free market protection)

Social prosperity and social entrepreneurship

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, …..

US Declaration of

Independence

Separation of Powers – The Three Branches of Government

Executive

Legislative

Judicial

Executive Responsible for executing or administering the laws

Judicial Responsible for interpreting disagreement about the laws

Legislative

Responsible for making the laws

Role of Public Works in Local Government

Infrastructure Management Capital Maintenance/preservation Development Standards

Utility Management Power Water Sewer Solid Waste

Role of Public Works in Local Government

Emergency Management First response Recovery

Public Transportation Bus Rail

Right of Way Management

Facility Management

Equipment Maintenance Management