Home rule in the United States

Home rule in the United States is about how much power local areas like cities and counties have to make their own rules. In some states, called home rule states, cities and counties can make many of their own laws as long as they do not go against state or national rules. In other states, known as Dillon's Rule states, local areas can only make laws if the state government specifically allows it.

Forty out of fifty states follow something called Dillon's Rule. This means that local governments can only do what the state tells them they can do. Only ten states let local areas have more freedom to govern themselves. Some states mix these ideas, allowing home rule only for bigger cities.

Each state decides what powers it gives to local governments. These powers can include choosing how the local government is organized, deciding on taxes, borrowing money, and setting rules for workers. Some states treat cities and counties differently when it comes to home rule. For example, in some states, all counties must follow Dillon's Rule, while in others, counties have more freedom. Connecticut and Rhode Island do not even have independent county governments.

Home rule and Dillon's Rule states

The chart below shows which U.S. states allow local governments to make their own rules, called "home rule," and which follow a rule called Dillon's Rule. Under Dillon's Rule, local areas can only do what the state specifically allows them to do. Some states may allow certain cities to have home rule but do not guarantee it for all local areas in their constitution.

Washington, D.C. is a federal city with limited home rule granted by the federal government. For more information, see District of Columbia home rule.

Home rule charter cities

In the United States, a home rule city, charter city, or home rule charter city is a city that creates its own rules through a special document called a municipal charter. This is different from regular cities, which must follow strict rules set by the state. For example, in California, regular cities might need to have a five-member city council, but a charter city can choose a different way to run things. Charter cities can pick forms of government like having a "strong mayor" or a "city manager". This gives these cities more freedom to decide how they want to be managed. Depending on the state, some, none, or all cities can be charter cities.