Executive Legislative Judicial Executive

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL

 ASSOCIATIONS

Because state and local governments 

can be signifi cantly affected by federal 

government policy, they have formed their 

own associations to ensure that the inter-

ests of states, cities, counties, and other 

governments have a voice.

Several major groups in this category are:

• National Governors Association

• National League of Cities

• National Conference of State 

Legislatures

• National Association of Counties

• International City Managers Association

• U.S. Conference of Mayors.

A union offi cial addresses a labor rally in New York City, 2004.   This group 

had gathered to demonstrate support for striking grocery store workers in 

California.

H

OW THE

 U.S. I

S

 G

OVERNED

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These organizations are particu-

larly vocal on federal transportation, tax, 

environmental, education, and social 

policy. Federal policymakers often turn 

to state and local governments for advice 

on how best to structure and implement 

programs such as housing, nutrition, and 

healthcare that are funded federally, but 

delivered locally.