The judicial branch has the authority to interpret the laws passed by the Congress and the President. Any powers not specifically granted to the federal government in the constitution revert to the states. States regulate business, conduct elections, provide for public schools, and protect the health and safety of the people. The states also establish local government within the state such as cities and counties. Some powers shared by the federal and state governments include the power to tax, borrow money, and invoke eminent domain.
Eminent domain is the taking of private property by the government for the public good.
The owner of the property must be paid at least a fair market value price for the property. The major functions of the U.S. county are law enforcement, judicial administration, construction and maintenance of roads, provision of public assistance to the needy, and the recording of legal documents. Some counties may also provide health protection, hospitals, libraries, parks, weed control, fire protection, and agricultural aid. The principal organ of county government is usually a board of commissioners or supervisors, whose members are elected either from county subdivisions or districts or from the county at large. The board usually has three or five members, and a four-year term is common.