Which mechanism aligns with the principle that municipalities should operate within powers granted by the state?

• A. Dillon's Rule
• B. Sovereign Immunity
• C. Absolute Immunity
• D. Voluntary Compliance

Answer: (A)

Dillon's Rule states that municipalities are creatures of the state and have only the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied, or those fairly within the scope of the state’s grant of authority. This framework means a city or town cannot act beyond what the state authorizes, keeping local power firmly within the state’s control. In short, it formalizes the idea that local governments must operate within the powers the state provides, ensuring a consistent legal structure between state and local levels.

Sovereign Immunity is about the state’s protection from being sued without consent, Absolute Immunity refers to broad immunity for certain officials, and Voluntary Compliance is about voluntary adherence to laws—none of these establish the local-government power relationship described by Dillon's Rule.