which states have the best/worst system of local government?

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

that isn't about local government though...

[Asian Nazi]

that isn't about local government though...

"Wait...you're telling me that there's government BELOW the state level?  Dafuq?!"  -most Americans

[Amenhotep Bakari-Sellers]

FL have had a rough go at it, especially in the crt system. Terry Schiavo, euthenasia case, Travon Martin & butterfly ballot in 2000, which lead to disputed election.

NJ with Jim McGreevey, Corzine & Christie who have had 3 corrupt govs

[muon2]

that isn't about local government though...

"Wait...you're telling me that there's government BELOW the state level?  Dafuq?!"  -most Americans

"most Americans" are more aware of their city government than their state government. Local media provides far more coverage to the cities served than to the state. A former mayor of a small city often has more recognition in public than a sitting state legislator. A big city alderman often carries more weight in the community than does their state senator.

[Asian Nazi]

"most Americans" are more aware of their city government than their state government. Local media provides far more coverage to the cities served than to the state. A former mayor of a small city often has more recognition in public than a sitting state legislator. A big city alderman often carries more weight in the community than does their state senator.

This is true.  Though I'd be shocked if even most Atlas people were knowledgeable enough to give an honest qualitative comparison of various systems of local government around the country. 

[Sol]

I can't really speak for other states, but in NC it works something like this (probably other folks can give you a more in-depth version):

Counties are the main unit of local government. There are 100 of them. Below them are cities, towns, and villages--there is no different between them except labeling. Much of North Carolina's land doesn't belong to any level below municipalities--this area is unincorporated.

What's important about local government in NC, however, is the total primacy of the state government relative to local government. North Carolina can change its own counties at will (although this probably would never happen) and control local annexations. The state can overrule basically anything that municipalities and counties do.