Fundamentals of Government

Bill Ebel, City Manager City 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

Legislative

Responsible for making the laws

Executive

Responsible for executing or administering the laws

Judicial

Responsible for interpreting disagreement about 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