What type of government entity is referred to as a general-purpose government?

A general-purpose government is typically defined as a local government entity that provides a wide range of services to its community. This includes entities such as cities and counties, which are responsible for managing public services like law enforcement, fire protection, public education, infrastructure maintenance, and recreational facilities. They are designed to meet the broad needs of the residents, encompassing multiple functions and services.

In contrast, federal agencies focus on specific national issues and services, while quasi-government organizations operate in areas that may involve private sector characteristics but are sponsored by government entities. State tax agencies are specialized government entities that primarily handle taxation and fiscal matters for the state and do not provide the comprehensive range of services typical of a general-purpose government. Thus, local entities providing various services embody the essence of a general-purpose government because of their multifaceted roles in serving the community.