American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

In local government, line positions are best described as those that?

1. Stand in line for their paychecks

2. Order general supplies

3. Provide service to the public

4. Arrest criminals and put out fires

The correct answer is: Provide service to the public

In local government, line positions are best described as those that provide service to the public. These positions are directly involved in the operational functions of government and are responsible for delivering services, which is the primary purpose of local government. Individuals in line positions interact with citizens, addressing their needs and facilitating essential services like public safety, health, and public works. This direct engagement with the community is fundamental to the mission of local government, making these roles pivotal in the functioning and effectiveness of governmental operations. The other options, while they may pertain to activities within local government, do not encapsulate the essence of line positions as effectively. For example, simply ordering supplies or specific actions like arresting criminals or firefighting can be part of duties within certain positions, but they do not represent the broader scope of public service that line positions are designed to fulfill.