Question

Think back to the example in the Warm-Up: A business owner wants to open a restaurant, but many residents do not want a business that is open late at night near their homes.

How are local governments structured to solve a local issue like this one

Answer 1

Local governments place the power to solve local issues in the hands of elected officials. A council or city manager could help to determine zoning laws for the town, and this would create rules for how land can be used. Citizens can participate by voting and speaking with representatives, who handle such issues.

Answer 2

Local like municipal governments can deal with residents in the neighborhood of a proposed restaurant concerns re noise late at night by restricting their closing hours to say 8 or 9PM and also not issuing them a liquor licence, as examples of what they can do.