Among the 50 states in the United States, Maryland is amongst those with the least number of local governments. Local government typically is county government for much of Maryland. The twenty three counties in Maryland are Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester. Three forms of government exist in Maryland counties. They are county commissioners, code home rule, and charter. With the adoption of the Maryland Constitution of 1851, Baltimore City has been regarded on par with county jurisdictions, although it is a municipality.
The General Assembly is authorized to legislate for the county under county commissioners’ form of government. The executive and legislative functions as defined by state law are carried out by a board of county commissioners. The board may also enact ordinances. Maryland’s eight counties, which include Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Somerset, and Washington, operate under this form of government.






