There are a variety of different types of governmental entities in California. These include both the state government and local governments, such as counties, cities, special districts, redevelopment agencies, K-12 school districts, and community college districts.
Local entities vary greatly by size and nature.
In 1991-92, there were nearly 7,000 governmental entities in California, including 58 counties, nearly 470 cities, over 380 redevelopment agencies, more than 4,800 special districts, and over 1,100 school districts. For more information about these types of local entities, see the chapter on Local Government later in this document. Local governmental entities can be created only in accordance with state law, and certain powers are constitutionally guaranteed to counties and cities. Except for constitutional provisions, state law prevails over local law when these conflict or when the two cover similar subject matter. California's first Constitution was adopted in 1849, shortly before the state was admitted to the Union in 1850.