County Structure & Powers There is a fundamental distinction
between a county and a city. Counties lack broad powers of self-
government that California cities have (e.g., cities have broad
revenue generating authority and counties do not). In addition,
legislative control over counties is more complete than it is
over cities. Unless restricted by a specific provision of the
state Constitution, the Legislature may delegate to the counties
any of the functions which belong to the state itself.
Conversely, the state may take back to itself and resume the
functions which it has delegated to counties (e.g., state
funding of trial courts). Types of Counties The California
Constitution recognizes two types of counties: general law
counties and charter counties. General law counties adhere to
state law as to the number and duties of county elected
officials. Charter counties, on the other hand, have a limited
degree of “home rule” authority that may provide for the
election, compensation, terms, removal, and salary o