The U.S. Conference of Mayors is an organization of mayors throughout the United States. The website contains a number of press releases and reports on issues facing mayors and local government, which range from a few pages to hundreds of pages in length. The Mayors at a Glance feature is perhaps the most useful feature those studying Virginia government. Users can search for mayors by last name, city, state, and population. Each mayor featured has a picture, contact information, and short biography. Does your jurisdiction have a mayor? Try finding out more about mayors in your area.

This document explains the history of the Dillon Rule and its implementation. The handbook also discusses the rule's limitations on a locality’s land use powers. Some contentious issues include: efforts to provide affordable housing;…

Virginia signed its first constitution in 1776 upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, there have been frequent amendments and six major revisions to the constitution: 1830, 1851, 1864, 1870, 1902, and 1971. Our current…

Virginia signed its first constitution in 1776 upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, there have been frequent amendments and six major revisions to the constitution: 1830, 1851, 1864, 1870, 1902, and 1971. Our current…

Virginia signed its first constitution in 1776 upon the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, there have been frequent amendments and six major revisions to the constitution: 1830, 1851, 1864, 1870, 1902, and 1971. Our current…

The Wise County Board of Supervisors offers a prime example of the executive branch in a local jurisdiction. This website offers meeting agendas and minutes, as well as a TV broadcast of Board meetings. The Wise County website is one among many local government websites that address this issue—you can even find your own local government!

Tax rates differ for citizens in Virginia, depending on where one lives. In addition, a local government may choose to spend collected tax money differently than another local government in the Commonwealth. In this activity, students simulate the…

Understanding state control on local governments in Virginia as a result of Dillon’s Rule is fundamental to understanding the government that affects people the most. The vast majority of citizens are affected most directly by their local…

This website offers a comprehensive index of executive orders issued by the current governor of Virginia. These downloadable documents can range from issues such as smoking in restaurants to issuing states of emergency. Examining these documents leads to interesting discussions of executive power and the role of the executive branch in Virginia's government.

The Virginia Department of Health has a comprehensive website with information on health-related issues ranging from disease outbreaks to restaurant inspections. Ever wondered why you have to get all those pesky shots before going to school? The Virginia Department of Health deals with issues that affect everyone, and its website shows the ways government influences our lives every day.