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Stuff Every Community Citizen Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Community Citizen Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Principles and Documents

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Local government in the U.S. means self-government, where residents make community decisions through elected local officials.
  • Most states and territories have at least two tiers of local government: counties and municipalities.
  • Louisiana uses the term parish for what the Census Bureau calls county equivalents.
  • Alaska uses the term borough for what the Census Bureau terms county equivalents.
  • Civil townships or towns are used as subdivisions of a county in 20 states, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest.
  • The types and nature of municipal entities are defined by state law and vary from state to state.
  • States may create special-purpose local governments, such as school districts and fire protection districts.
  • Chartered local governments generally have more local autonomy and home rule than general-law governments.
  • In a consolidated city-county, the municipality and county have merged into a unified jurisdiction.
  • In Virginia, cities are completely independent from the county in which they would otherwise be a part.
  • In New England, towns form the primary unit of local government below the state level.
  • Special purpose districts may provide services like fire protection, sewer, libraries, parks, and transportation.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What does local government mean in the United States?
    • Self-government by local residents
    • Control by federal agencies
    • Rule by appointed state officials
    Show the answer

    Self-government by local residents. Local government in the U.S. means self-government, where residents make community decisions through elected local officials.

  2. In New England, what often forms the primary unit of local government?
    • Boroughs
    • Towns
    • Parishes
    Show the answer

    Towns. In New England, towns form the primary unit of local government below the state level.

  3. What did the number of special districts do from 1952 to 2007?
    • Decreased by half
    • Stayed the same
    • Increased by 203%
    Show the answer

    Increased by 203%. From 1952 to 2007, the number of special districts increased by 203%, from 12,340 to 37,381.

  4. What does a good citizen do about community decisions?
    • Help make decisions through elected officials
    • Avoid all elections
    • Let one person decide
    Show the answer

    Help make decisions through elected officials. Good citizens help make decisions about their community through their elected local officials.

  5. What do homeowners associations sometimes have the ability to do?
    • Print money
    • Raise fees and fine members
    • Declare war
    Show the answer

    Raise fees and fine members. Many homeowners associations can raise taxes or fees, fine members for rule infractions, and initiate lawsuits.

Now make it stick

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This guide covers the 50 free cards. The other 18 are in the game for members.

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