What does Dillon's Rule state regarding local governments?

Dillon's Rule is a legal principle that articulates the relationship between state and local governments, emphasizing that local governments are inherently subordinate to state governments. According to this rule, local governments derive their authority and powers strictly from state legislation. This means that any powers exercised by local governments must be explicitly granted by the state; they do not have inherent sovereignty and cannot operate with autonomy outside of what the state allows.

This principle ensures that state governments maintain control over local governments by limiting their powers to only those that are delegated by state laws. Therefore, understanding this rule is essential for comprehending the framework of governance in New Jersey and other states that adhere to Dillon's Rule, as it highlights the conditional nature of local governmental authority.