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What is Ordinance? | Civics Matter

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Glossary
Ordinance

Civics Glossary

Ordinance

State & Local

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

A law enacted by a city or county government addressing local matters.

Related Terms

County

The primary administrative division of most U.S. states. Called "parishes" in Louisiana and "boroughs" in Alaska.

Municipality

An incorporated city, town, or village with its own local government.

More State & Local Terms

County

The primary administrative division of most U.S. states. Called "parishes" in Louisiana and "boroughs" in Alaska.

Home Rule

The authority granted by a state to its cities or counties to govern themselves.

Municipality

An incorporated city, town, or village with its own local government.

Trifecta

When one political party controls the governorship and both chambers of the state legislature.

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Zoning

Local government regulations that divide land into zones and control what can be built in each zone.