Home Rule
The power of a local government to govern itself and pass local ordinances without requiring specific, individual approval from the state legislature for each action. It is granted by state constitutions or statutes.
The power of a local government to govern itself and pass local ordinances without requiring specific, individual approval from the state legislature for each action. It is granted by state constitutions or statutes.
Example: A home rule city can pass a local ordinance raising the minimum wage or implementing a plastic bag ban without waiting for the state legislature to pass a law specifically authorizing that city to do so.
Common misconception: Home rule makes a city completely independent of the state. Under the legal doctrine of ‘Dillon’s Rule’ (which still applies in many states), local governments are creatures of the state, and state legislatures can still preempt or override local ordinances.
Sources: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/lrb/conmain.htm — Illinois Constitution, Article VII (home rule units); a state constitutional example of the grant; https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/initiative-and-referendum-overview-and-resources — NCSL overview (not a .gov site; no single federal source exists, state constitutions/statutes are the primary law)