What is the role of local government in Maryland?

• A. Counties and Municipalities Provide Local Services (Schools, Policing, Zoning, Local Ordinances)
• B. National Defense
• C. Foreign Policy
• D. Printing Money

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how responsibilities are divided among levels of government. Local government in Maryland handles services directly for the community. Counties and municipalities are the ones that run and fund day-to-day local needs, such as public schools (through local boards of education in their districts), police protection, zoning and planning decisions, and local ordinances that regulate community life. These duties are carried out by officials elected by residents of that locality, operating within the state framework that provides funding and standards. By contrast, national defense, foreign policy, and printing money are functions of the federal level—things handled by the national government and federal institutions. That’s why the role described—local governments providing local services like schools, policing, zoning, and local ordinances—best captures the local level of Maryland governance.