While the federal government is the most visible form of government in the United States, Americans enjoy many services that come from their local governments. County and city governments provide schools, libraries, roads, public transportation, parks and recreation facilities, and other services of day-to-day life in the United States.
"How America Works: Local Government and Citizen Involvement," our 12-part TV series, looks at aspects of what is called "civil society." Montgomery County, Maryland, is a multi-racial and multi-ethnic suburb of Washington, D.C., and is featured as a typical contemporary United States community. By highlighting watch groups, citizen's advisory boards, local press, and volunteers, the series focuses on community interaction, volunteerism, and the coming together of residents to address shared concerns.
Our latest story, "Justice for All," introduces an attorneys' group that donates its time and expertise to run a free legal clinic in the county's economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Other topics the 12-part series has covered:
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April 2, 2007: "This is Montgomery County" describes the area's diversity and looks at the upcoming topics.
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April 9, 2007: In "Stoplight," Garrett Park residents band together after a fatal pedestrian accident to demand and get a traffic light on their main street.
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April 16, 2007: "Fire" portrays those who volunteer to be firefighters in the City of Rockville and how valuable these volunteers are to the community.
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April 23, 2007: Through "Open Government, Watchful Press," we examine how Montgomery County uses its own cable television channel to broadcast official meetings and other county activities as an exercise in transparency and to provide information about their activities. The local press also watches carefully to ensure that these governments do indeed operate in the as they should.
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April 30, 2007: "Food Bank" covers the efforts of a non-governmental group to provide food to needy residents in Montgomery County, Maryland.
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May 8, 2007: "County Libraries" demonstrates how local library systems reflect a free press and citizen participation.
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May 15, 2007: "Elections" covers how local governments conduct elections with the assistance of citizen volunteers.
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May 22, 2007: "Day Labor Center" highlights the creation of a controversial labor center that is intended to get jobseekers, particularly recent immigrants, off the streets.
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May 29, 2007: "Healing" introduces a nonprofit healthcare organization called Mobile Medical Care, whose doctors travel to neighborhoods to treat the poor and uninsured, who do not have access to regular health care.
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June 5, 2007: "Women Advancing" explains the work of the County’s Commission for Women, where government and citizens work together towards equality and opportunity for everyone regardless of sex.
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June 12, 2007: “Enabling” looks at how private organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland, provide job training and support to get people with insufficient skills, disabilities, and other complications into productive careers.
