RANDALL A. PELLOW

PENNS VALLEY PUBLISHERS

154 E. Main Street

Lansdale, PA 19446

(215) 855-4948

www.pennsvalleypublishers.com

May 20, 2009

Dear Educator:

Thank you for your interest in Penns Valley Publishers’ all new SECONDARY

SOFTCOVER text, Understanding Pennsylvania: Our History, Geography, Economy,

and Government. This PDF preview sampler is not a complete copy of the text, but

selected lessons that demonstrate the quality of instruction and lively format of our

product. We chose this digital format to quickly respond to your need to evaluate the text

before purchase. Final editorial changes are not included on this version.

Understanding Pennsylvania is Standards Based and Economically Priced, and will be

128 pages presented in full color throughout. Each lesson will include several components

designed to promote literacy and conceptual understanding, including Key Words and

Places, Focus Questions, and Lesson Review. Students also will enjoy our program’s

colorful narrative format.

Enrichment Activities for the text will be available on the Penns Valley Publishers

website. A Teacher's Resource Binder also will be available, which will include a

comprehensive Teacher Guide, Assessment, Answer Key, and Blackline Masters. In

addition, a skills-based Student Activity Book will be available in the Spring of 2010.

Understanding Pennsylvania in now undergoing its final editing and will go to press in

late spring for summer delivery.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Cleary

President/Owner, Penns Valley Publishers

TABLE OF CONTENTSUnited States Political Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Pennsylvania Political Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Pennsylvania Physical Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Chapter I: Understanding Our Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Lesson 01: Location, Climate of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Lesson 02: Landforms and Regions of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . .11Lesson 03: Water Forms of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Lesson 04: Natural Resources of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Chapter II: Understanding Our History–Early Inhabitants of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Lesson 05: Native American Inhabitants of Pennsylvania . . . . . . .24Lesson 06: Early European Settlements in Pennsylvania . . . . . . .28

Lesson 07: The Founding of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Chapter III: Understanding Our History–Religious and Ethnic Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Lesson 08: Pennsylvania Becomes a Religious Haven . . . . . . . . .38Lesson 09: Pennsylvania's Cultural Identity Today . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Chapter IV: Understanding Our History–Pennsylvania and the Development of a New Nation . . . . . . . .46

Lesson 10: Two Empires Clash for Control of Pennsylvania . . . . .48Lesson 11: Events Leading to The American Revolution . . . . . . .52Lesson 12: The American Revolution in Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . .56Lesson 13: Pennsylvania's Role in Forming the United States

Constitution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Chapter V: Understanding Our History–Pennsylvania's Early Growth and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Lesson 14: Mountains of Pennsylvania Slows Industrial Growth . .66Lesson 15: New Transportation Modes Speed Growth . . . . . . . . .70Lesson 16: The New Industries of Iron, Steel and Oil Begin . . . . .74Lesson 17: Pennsylvania's Role in the American Civil War . . . . . .78

Chapter VI: Understanding Our History– Pennsylvania Becomes an Industrial Giant . . . . .82

Lesson 18: The Economics of the Industrial Revolution . . . . . . . .84Lesson 19: Age of Big Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88Lesson 20: New Industries Develop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92Lesson 21: Problems of Rapid Industrial Growth . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Chapter VII: Understanding Our Government . . . . . . . . . . . .100Lesson 22: Why is Government so Important? . . . . . . . . . . . . .104Lesson 23: Our State Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108Lesson 24: Our County and Local Governments . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125

FOCUS QUESTIONS:1. What are the names of our major river systems and tributaries?2. How were many of our natural lakes and wetlands formed?3. What are the major purposes for our system of reservoirs?4. Why are our water forms so important to us?

LESSO

N3 WATER FORMS OFPENNSYLVANIA

tributariessourcewatersheddrainage basinmouthfreightglacierswetlandsreservoirshydroelectric power

KEYWORDS

KEYPLACES

Susquehanna RiverWest BranchJuniata RiverOhio RiverAllegheny RiverMonongahela RiverYoughiogheny RiverDelaware RiverLehigh RiverSchuylkill RiverLake Erie

River Systems and TributariesPennsylvania is very fortunate to have an

abundant fresh water supply. There are more than45,000 miles of rivers and tributaries draining ourland. In addition, we have many natural andhuman-made lakes in which to store our watersupply. As you read, look at the map on the nextpage to help you locate our water forms.

Pennsylvania has three major river systemsflowing through the state. The largest river systemis the Susquehanna River. Tributaries that flowinto this river drain 46% of our state’s land. Thesource of the Susquehanna River begins insoutheastern New York State. The river flowsthrough our entire state. Its major tributaries arethe West Branch and Juniata Rivers. These riversserve as a watershed, or drainage basin, forcentral Pennsylvania. A watershed is an area orregion from which flowing water drains into creeksand streams. These water forms flow into largerrivers. Look at the map on the next page to tracethe Susquehanna River to its mouth. Into whatbody of water does the Susquehanna empty?

Our second-largest river system is the OhioRiver in western Pennsylvania. Tributaries that flowinto this river drain 33% of our state’s land. Twomajor rivers, the Allegheny and Monongahela,meet at Pittsburgh where the Ohio River begins.The Beaver River is a major tributary of the Ohio.

The Allegheny River’s source is located innorthern Pennsylvania. The river proceeds norththrough southwestern New York. It then returns toPennsylvania to flow southward toward Pittsburgh.The Clarion and Conemaugh Rivers, along withmany smaller creeks, flow into the Allegheny.

In the southwest part of our state, theMonongahela River begins in West Virginia. Theriver flows northward toward Pittsburgh. TheYoughiogheny River, which starts in Maryland,and its many creeks, flow into the Monongahelaabout 15 miles from Pittsburgh. Use a map of theUnited States to trace the route of the Ohio River.It has been estimated that one-third of all thewater flowing into the Gulf of Mexico comes fromthe Ohio River system.

14 Understanding Pennsylvania

The third major river system is the Delaware River. This river also begins in southeastern New York and drains 14% of our state. It forms a natural border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Two major tributaries are the Lehigh and Schuylkill Rivers. Philadelphia is a major deep-water port located along the Delaware River. Once again, use the map on this page to trace the river to the body of water into which it empties.

Our three largest river systems have been very important resources in the development of our state. They supply residents with drinking water. They supply water for cooling nuclear reactors that produce electricity. Throughout time, people have used these waterways as transportation routes. Ships and barges have carried huge amounts of freight, such ascoal and steel. The Delaware, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers are especially well known for shipping goods. One exception, however, is the Susquehanna River. It is too shallow to allow shipping of products.

Throughout time, people have used Pennsylvania’swaterways as transportation routes. Ships andbarges have carried huge amounts of freight, suchas coal and steel.

ChesapeakeBay

DelawareBay

Gettysburg

Easton

Carlisle

Chambersburg

Harrisburg

Mercersburg

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are

R.

Schuylkill

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R.

Monong

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A llegheny

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Lehigh

R.

Sus quehannaR.

Susquehanna R.

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W. Br.Susqu ehan na R.

Delaware

R.Johnstown

State College

Williamsport

York

Allentown

Erie

Altoona

Bethlehem

Lancaster

Reading

Scranton

Wilkes-Barre

Philadelphia

Pittsburgh

LakeErie

Water Forms of Pennsylvania 15

Lakes and WetlandsThere are many small lakes in Pennsylvania. Most of our

natural lakes were created by glacial forces. Thousands of yearsago, glaciers covered the northern parts of our state. As theglaciers slowly melted and withdrew, they dug holes into thelandscape, which became filled with water. Our largest naturallake located totally within Pennsylvania is Lake Conneaut inCrawford County. One notable exception to the small lakes of ourstate is Lake Erie, which borders Pennsylvania to its northwest.Formed by glacial action, this lake is the fourth largest in theUnited States. The entire Great Lakes system was created byglacial forces.

There is another important part of our environment that wedo not think much about. People who are helping to clean up ourenvironment are also asking us to save our wetlands. A wetlandis a lowland area, such as a marshy or swampy place, that holdsmoisture. Wetlands help prevent flooding, clean our water supply,and provide excellent food and shelter for wildlife. Many of thenearly 200,000 acres of wetlands are located in the northwestand northeast parts of our state that were once covered byglaciers. However, wetlands can be found all over our state. TheJohn Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is located one mile from thePhiladelphia International Airport.

Reservoirs and DamsIt is interesting to see how humans have changed the

landscape over time. One way to change the landscape is forpeople to build reservoirs. Many reservoirs have been built inPennsylvania, mainly to store our fresh water supply.

Reservoirs and dams also help to keep our water flowing ata steady pace during drier times. During times of heavyprecipitation, they help to prevent flooding of our rivers.Reservoirs and other water forms provide Pennsylvanians andtourists with many recreational activities, such as fishing,boating, swimming, and water-skiing.

Some dams are used to provide people with electricity. Theforce of water falling over a dam is used to turn a turbine, orengine, at a power plant. This action creates electricity. This kindof electricity is known as hydroelectric power. One percent ofPennsylvania’s electric power is produced this way.

Reservoirs also can be referred to as lakes or dams. Someof our larger reservoirs are Pymatuning Reservoir, LakeWallenpaupack Dam, Raystown Lake, Youghiogheny Dam,Shamokin Dam, Allegheny Reservoir, and Hammond/TiogaLakes. Raystown Lake is the largest human-made lake totallywithin Pennsylvania’s borders.

LET’S REVIEW1. Name and locate the major river systems in western,

central, and eastern Pennsylvania?2. How did glaciers help to form our natural lakes and

wetlands?3. A) What are wetlands? B) Why are they important?4. Name and locate at least three reservoirs in our state?5. Describe three important functions of reservoirs?6. List at least three reasons why our state’s waterways are

important to us.

Reservoirs and other water formsprovide Pennsylvanians andtourists with many recreationalactivities, such as fishing, boating,swimming, and water-skiing.

16 Understanding Pennsylvania

FOCUS QUESTIONS:1. Who was William Penn?2. How did the colony of Pennsylvania get started?3. How was William Penn’s thinking ahead

of his time?4. What major ideas did Penn

incorporate into the governmentof Pennsylvania?

The formation of Pennsylvania iscentered on a man by the name ofWilliam Penn. William was born inEngland on October 24, 1644. There were no public schools during this time. Thus, William was educated by private teachersand schools. While attending OxfordUniversity, he began to attendmeetings of a religious group called the Society of Friends,or Quakers. The Quakers believed all people were equal, whether rich or poor. They also believed that warand fighting were wrong.

There was a major problem withWilliam’s actions. At this time in England,it was the law that everyone belong to theKing’s church, the Church of England. Peoplewho had different religious beliefs than the

King’s, or the Church of England, were not tolerated. The King did not approve of the Quakers’ meetings. Because of their beliefs,many Quakers were sent to jail.

At age 23, William joined theQuaker religion. Although he was from a family of wealth, he was escorted to jail several times for his beliefs. However, Penn had charmingmanners that allowed him to gain the King’s friendship. Besides, the King owedPenn’s father a large sum of money. Because of this situation, the Kingreleased William and his Quakers from jail.

During the 1600s, Kings and Queens were absolute monarchs. Their thinkingwas that only they had the wisdom, vision, and power to decide the best way forpeople to live. People were not created equally, nor did they have any say in howthey were ruled, nor did they have a choice of religion. The disagreement with

LESSO

N7KEYWORDS

THE FOUNDINGOF PENNSYLVANIA

Society of FriendsQuakersabsolute monarchspersecutedPenn’s CharterFrames of GovernmentCouncilGeneral AssemblyHoly ExperimentGreat LawTreaty of FriendshipCharter of Privileges

KEYPLACES

PennsylvaniaEnglandPhiladelphia

King Charles II granted William Pennthe colony of Pennsylvania.

William Penn’s simpler form of dress wasin stark contrast to the fancy clothing ofKing Charles II. What are some of theother differences between these two men?

32 Understanding Pennsylvania

these ideas would later become central themes in theformation of the United States government.

Penn began to think about starting a colony wherepeople of all religions could live in peace, without fearof being persecuted or treated unfairly. William hadinherited his father’s land and wealth. When the Kingcould not repay money he had borrowed fromWilliam’s father, the time was right to ask the King fora land grant in North America. In 1681, the EnglishKing granted what is known as Penn’s Charter. Thischarter was a formal written document authorizingWilliam Penn to establish a colony.

William was given control of most of the landthat is today known as Pennsylvania. In return for thecolony, the King wanted one-fifth of all the gold andsilver found and two beaver skins. AcquiringPennsylvania was a fantastic deal for William Pennbecause there was no gold or silver to be found inthe colony! To sweeten the deal, in 1682, the King’sbrother, the Duke of York, deeded to Penn the threelower counties on the Delaware River, which are nowthe state of Delaware.

William wanted to name his new colony Sylvania,which meant woods. The King of England wanted tohonor William’s father by adding Penn to Sylvania.That is how this colony acquired its name ofPennsylvania, or Penn’s Woods.

It is a very difficult job to start a workinggovernment, and yet, that is what William Penn did. Hedid so by writing four Frames of Government atdifferent times. His first Frame of Government waswritten in England in 1681. It became Pennsylvania’sfirst constitution, or written plan for government. Pennfelt that, “Governments, like clocks, go from the motionmen give them. Let men be good, and the governmentcannot be bad; if it be ill, they will care for it.” He calledfor two, separate law-making bodies. This plan allowedfor a Council and General Assembly to be chosen fromthe landowning citizens of Pennsylvania.

William’s first plan set forth a number of otheramazing ideas in government. He 1) established trialby jury; 2) granted freedom of the press; 3) allowedfreedom of religion; 4) created a penal code forcriminals; 5) established a process for amending, orchanging laws; and 6) stated that all children by age12 should begin training in a useful trade or skill.Although common ideas now, they were unheard ofduring the 1680s.

Thus, in 1681, William Penn began to plan hisHoly Experiment, where people were viewed asequals, where people could worship as they chose,and where people had a say in how they weregoverned. In 1681, Penn sent a small group ofsettlers to Penn’s Woods to start his colony. He

William Penn’s first Frame ofGovernment was written inEngland in 1681. It becamePennsylvania’s firstconstitution, or written planfor government.

This map of the Philadelphia area shows the city,neighboring townships, and building lots duringthe time of William Penn.

The Founding of Pennsylvania 33

joined them in 1682 with a group of Quakers on asmall ship named Welcome. Here, he plannedPhiladelphia, which meant in the Greek language“City of Brotherly Love.”

In 1682, the Great Law was passed by thecolony’s first law-making body. While it guaranteedreligious freedom, it also expanded upon Penn’s firstFrame of Government. In addition, it dealt with theconduct of trials, elections, voting, and taxes.

What about the Native Americans inPennsylvania? William knew the land was occupiedby the Delaware tribe of Native Americans. Williamdeveloped peaceful relations with the Delawares anddemanded that all lands be legally purchased fromthem. He got along well with the Delawares andjoined in their sports activities. They called himBrother Onas, which meant quill or pen.

Supposedly, Penn took part in a meeting withone of the Delaware’s chiefs, Tamanend. However,historians think this story could be a legend becauseno written record was ever found of the meeting. Asthe story goes, Penn signed a Treaty of Friendship in1683 under a large elm tree near the area known asShackamaxon. It is believed that Chief Tamanendsaid something like, “we will live in peace as long asthe waters run in the rivers and creeks and as longas the stars and moon endure.” Because ofproblems in England, Penn returned to his home

country in 1684. He thought his new colony was offto a good start. However, over the years, membersof the Council and General Assembly fought amongthemselves. They could not agree on the best way torun the colony. William felt that people should live inpeace, so he was not happy about all of thebickering. Penn returned to his colony in 1699 tocorrect the problems.

He amended the colony’s constitution by writingthe fourth and final Frame of Government. In 1701,this plan was passed by the General Assembly andbecame known as the Charter of Privileges. Thisplan once again guaranteed the citizens’ individualrights and freedoms, such as religion. In addition,the General Assembly could now suggest laws to beconsidered by the King or Queen of England.

In 1701, trouble in England once again calledPenn back home. He spent only three years in thecolony he started. Despite this, he became the chiefdesigner of freedoms among the American colonies.

In 1712, Penn suffered a stroke, which kept himfrom running his colony’s government. His wife,Hannah, took control and ran the colony’s governmentfrom England. In 1718, William Penn died, butHannah kept running the colony until her death in1726. The Pennsylvania colony was run by the Pennfamily until the American Revolution began in 1775.

William Penn and his men meet with localNative American tribes.

34 Understanding Pennsylvania

LET’S REVIEW1. Who started the colony of Pennsylvania? 2. What was this individual’s religion?3. What is the kind of government called where Kings and Queens rule?4. What is Penn’s Charter? 5. How did Pennsylvania acquire its name?6. List at least five ideas that emerged from Penn’s first Frame of Government.7. Explain what was the Holy Experiment.8. How did Penn treat the Native Americans?9. What was the Treaty of Friendship?

10. List at least four freedoms the Charter of Privileges guaranteed to the Pennsylvania colonists. 11. Who ran the colony’s government immediately after Penn suffered a stroke?12. Write the following in correct chronological order with their dates: Great Law;

Charter of Privileges; Penn’s Charter; Treaty of Friendship; first Frame of Government.

TAMANEND,the Lenni Lenape ChiefWhen William Penn came to Pennsylvania, he planned a new

colony based on peace, freedom, and fairness. But the landwhere William Penn wanted to establish his new colony wasalready occupied by Native Americans.

Tamanend was part of the Lenni Lenape tribe of NativeAmericans, also known as the Delaware tribe because theylived in the areas along the Delaware River in New York, NewJersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Tamanend’s clan livedalong the Neshaminy Creek near Philadelphia. William Pennwanted to treat his new neighbors with respect. He offered topay the Native Americans for the land he would use for hisnew colony. Tamanend brought together many chiefs of theDelaware tribe. They met with Penn and other leaders of thenew colony to sign the Treaty of Friendship, and were paid forthe land given to the new settlers.

Unfortunately, this peaceful arrangement did not last longpast William Penn and Chief Tamanend. In Chapter IV, you willlearn how the new colony, under the rule of Penn’s sons,angered the Delaware tribe with the Walking Purchase.

This statue of Chief Tamanend is inPhiladelphia, near the Delaware River.There are many statues of Tamanendin Pennsylvania and in other states.There are also many buildings, schools,and parks named after this greatleader.

The Founding of Pennsylvania 35

Jim Thorpe

municipalities

cities

boroughs

townships

county seat

commissioners

charter

council

mayor

city manager

supervisors

zones

FOCUS QUESTIONS:1. What kinds of local government do we have lower than

state government?2. What are the differences among the different

kinds of local government?3. What are the roles and functions of each kind

of local government?4. What are the main roles of commissioners, mayors and

supervisors?

Local governments were created to serve the people of a particular area orplace within the state, such as a county and various types of municipalities.Municipalities are clearly defined areas that have a government. They are thesmallest form of representative government. This allows more people to have asay in how their government should operate. Local government also makesgoverning the state a more manageable job. Examples of municipalities arecities, boroughs, and townships. William Penn established this form ofgovernment when he founded the colony of Pennsylvania. When you think aboutit, most of us are residents of a state, county, and municipality within ourcountry, all with their own form of government!

County GovernmentOur state is divided into 67 counties. Each county is an area of land that is

larger than a town or city. Therefore, counties are both geographical andpolitical in nature. They serve as an intermediate government between stateand local governments. County government does not have authority over localmunicipalities. The center of government at the county level is called thecounty seat. There are a number of county buildings, such as a courthouse,located at the county seat. Look at the county map on this page to locate thecounty in which you live and its county seat.

COUNTY AND LOCALGOVERNMENTSLE

SSO

N24KEYWORDS

The cityof Erie isthe countyseat ofErieCounty.

112

There are different classes of counties depending upon the population. A 1st class county has a populationaround 1,500,000 or more people, while an 8th class county has fewer than 20,000 residents. With apopulation approximately 1,500,000 people, Philadelphia County would be an example of a 1st class county.With fewer than 5,000 residents, Forest County would be an example of an 8th class county. You can also seeextremes in population density per county in our state. Forest County is a very rural county with a populationdensity of 12 people per square mile. Philadelphia County is a very urban county with the highest populationdensity of more than 10,000 people per square mile.

Sixty of our counties have their citizens elect three commissioners to run county government. These electedofficials serve the needs of local citizens for four years. Then, they must be re-elected. County commissionersperform legislative and executive duties. This means not only can they make laws and policies that affect thecounty, they are also responsible for making sure that these laws and policies are carried out. Commissionersare responsible for all services associated with county government. The following chart describes some ofthese county services.

Pittsburgh is the only city ofits class in Pennsylvania.

Seven counties operate under a “home rule” charter form of government. These counties can determinetheir own structure for local government. Most choose to have a county executive, county council, as well asother officials, all of whom are elected.

Local Governments – Cities, Boroughs, and TownshipsIn Pennsylvania, communities are politically organized into cities, boroughs, or townships. The political

designation of your community is dependent upon its population. In every case except the city of Philadelphia,townships, boroughs, and cities are located in a county. Philadelphia is different because it is a county and a city.

All areas of our state are in townships unless they are in cities or boroughs. Small towns are calledboroughs. Small villages are part of townships. By law, any borough can become a city when its populationreaches 10,000 people.

• prepare a budget• collect, spend, and audit tax monies• fund the court system• operate the prison system• register voters and assure fair and

accurate elections• maintain environmental protection• maintain land use planning• assure proper disposal of solid wastes• maintain county bridges• prepare for emergencies – floods,

storms, hazardous material spills• develop public welfare programs• manage drug and alcohol programs• provide mental health services• manage protective services for children• provide services for senior citizens• provide services for military veterans

Varied Tasks of CountyCommissioners

County and Local Governments 113

There are four classes of cities, depending upon the population. Notice in the chart above that Philadelphia,Pittsburgh, and Scranton are the only cities in their respective class. However, our state has approximately 56 3rdclass cities. Based upon their larger population, Allentown, Erie, and Reading could change their status. In order tomove to a different class of city, voters must choose to do so. However, the voters of these cities have decided tokeep their 3rd class status.

Most places with a population under 10,000 people are called boroughs, with the one exception of theTown of Bloomsburg. There are 961 boroughs in Pennsylvania. Two main differences between boroughs andcities are that boroughs have smaller populations than cities and they cover smaller geographic areas.

Most cities and boroughs in Pennsylvania have one of two kinds of local government. In one of these kindsof government, the people of a borough or city normally elect seven members to the town council for fouryears. The council becomes a group of people who make the laws for the city or borough.

Generally, the town council is led by the mayor. In most cases, the mayor is elected by the voters of thecommunity for a four-year term of office. Sometimes, however, themayor can be chosen by the members of the town council. Themayor makes sure that the laws passed by the council are carriedout. The chart to the right summarizes the functions of a mayor.

Name ForClass of City 1st Class 2nd Class 2nd Class A 3rd Class

Population 1 million or more 250,000-999,999 80,000-249,999 Under 79,999

Example Philadelphia Pittsburgh Scranton State College

Number inPennsylvania 1 1 1 56

WHAT CLASS IS THE CITY IN?

In the other kind of city or borough government, there is anelected town council. However, the town council hires a citymanager to make sure the laws are carried out. Many city managershave been trained to run local government more effectively. Citiesand towns with this kind of government can have a mayor inaddition to a city manager.

Duties of Mayors• administer day to day

government activities• preside over town council meetings

(can vote to break tie vote)• prepare budget for council• appoint fire and police chiefs• sign or veto ordinances and

regulations• supervise orders of town council

114 Understanding Pennsylvania

Each city and borough also has employees withspecial jobs. For example, the police chief enforcesthe laws within his/her borough or city. The taxcollector receives the tax money that the communityneeds to run the local government. Workers arehired to pick up trash, collect recyclable objects, andmaintain water and sewer services.

Townships also have their forms of governmentwithin the county. Townships are geographic areasattached to or bordering on boroughs and cities.They are divided into first and second classtownships. A township becomes a first class one byhaving more than 300 residents per square mile,and by having its residents vote for 1st class status.There are 91 first class townships and 1,457second class townships.

Citizens of 1st class township elect five officialscalled commissioners for four years. Citizens of 2ndclass townships elect three supervisors for six-yearterms of office to run the local government.Supervisors and commissioner manage the servicesprovided by local government. The chart belowdescribes their main roles.

Major Duties of Supervisors andCommissioners• prepare budgets• maintain local roads• provide water and sewer services• supervise parks and recreation facilities• establish zones for land use • improve ambulance and fire department services

Whether it is the state, county, city, borough, ortownship, each form of government has the power toobtain and spend tax dollars as declared necessaryby that form of government. Of course, a budgetneeds to be prepared and approved by the leadersof county and local government.

LET’S REVIEW1. What are the different kinds of municipalities in Pennsylvania?2. Upon what basis is the class of a county determined?3. What are elected officials called who run the county government?4. What is the name given for a place from which county government is run?5. Describe at least five tasks that county commissioners perform. 6. How does home rule differ from the most common kind of county government?7. Name three different kinds of local government.8. What two things must happen in order for a city to change its class status?9. Describe two common forms of local government for boroughs and cities.

10. Identify three other kinds of services provided by boroughs and cities.11. If local government is not located in a city or borough, then it is located in a _________?12. What is the main difference between a 1st class and 2nd class township?

Parking meters help raise money for local governments.

County and Local Governments 115