Ch 11 Slides

Question 1

Introduction: Local Government

• _______–any level of government below the state level, including three levels: municipal (city), county, and special district

Answer 1

Introduction: Local Government

• Local government –any level of government below the state level, including three levels: municipal (city), county, and special district

Question 2

Introduction: Local Government

• Local governments perform a wide range of services, from: _______

Answer 2

Introduction: Local Government

• Local governments perform a wide range of services, from building roads and keeping them clean and safe to collecting garbage and providing health care for the homeless

Question 3

Introduction: Local Government

• Although participation in local government affords citizens the most control over their own lives, voter turnout is _____ for local elections than at any other level

Answer 3

Introduction: Local Government

• Although participation in local government affords citizens the most control over their own lives, voter turnout is lower for local elections than at any other level

Question 4

Figure 11.1 Fastest-Growing Texas Cities, 2015 to 2016

Question 5

Figure 11.2 Texas Cities That Added the Most People, 2015 to 2016

Question 6

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• The term municipal government applies to cities, towns, and villages that are recognized by the legislature as being ________ entities

Answer 6

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• The term municipal government applies to cities, towns, and villages that are recognized by the legislature as being governmental entities

Question 7

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• More than __ percent of Texans live within the boundaries of some 1,200 municipalities

Answer 7

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• More than 80 percent of Texans live within the boundaries of some 1,200 municipalities

Question 8

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• Performing a variety of services, municipal governments uniquely reflect the _____ who reside within them

Answer 8

Municipal Government

• 11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.*
• Performing a variety of services, municipal governments uniquely reflect the citizens who reside within them

Question 9

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Two types of cities: _____ and ______

Answer 9

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Two types of cities: general law and home rule

Question 10

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• ________–a highly restrictive, and the most fundamental type of, legal status for municipal government

Answer 10

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General law –a highly restrictive, and the most fundamental type of, legal status for municipal government

Question 11

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • Regulated by state law, ______ another layer of local municipal law

Answer 11

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • Regulated by state law, without another layer of local municipal law

Question 12

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • Less _____ and provide only the most basic services (no “big city” services like libraries, public recreation facilities, and public housing)

Answer 12

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • Less autonomous and provide only the most basic services (no “big city” services like libraries, public recreation facilities, and public housing)

Question 13

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • _____ taxes

Answer 13

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• General Law
  
  • Lower taxes

Question 14

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• ______ –a legal status that gives municipalities more autonomy in establishing tax rates and providing services; it must be approved by a majority of the voters in municipalities consisting of 5,000 or more persons

Answer 14

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home rule –a legal status that gives municipalities more autonomy in establishing tax rates and providing services; it must be approved by a majority of the voters in municipalities consisting of 5,000 or more persons

Question 15

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • To obtain home rule status, the city’s charter must be approved by the ______ legislature

Answer 15

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • To obtain home rule status, the city’s charter must be approved by the Texas legislature

Question 16

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • Requires ___________ management and allows home rule cities to provide more services, such as water, sewage, parks, transportation, and health care

Answer 16

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • Requires professional management and allows home rule cities to provide more services, such as water, sewage, parks, transportation, and health care

Question 17

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • _____ local taxes

Answer 17

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Types of Municipalities

• Home Rule
  
  • Higher local taxes

Question 18

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Three forms of municipal government exist in Texas:
  
  • _______
  • _______
  • _______

Answer 18

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Three forms of municipal government exist in Texas:
  
  • mayor-council
  • council-manager
  • commission

Question 19

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Each home rule city can _____ and _____ its form of government based on the desires or needs of the community; general law cities may make some modifications but to a much lesser extent

Answer 19

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Each home rule city can create and modify its form of government based on the desires or needs of the community; general law cities may make some modifications but to a much lesser extent

Question 20

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• ________ –a simple form of government in which most of the day-to-day executive operations are carried out by either the mayor or by a city council

Answer 20

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council –a simple form of government in which most of the day-to-day executive operations are carried out by either the mayor or by a city council

Question 21

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council
  
  • Common in ____ populated and _____ cities

Answer 21

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council
  
  • Common in less populated and rural cities

Question 22

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council
  
  • The county _______ department and volunteer _______ usually see to public safety

Answer 22

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council
  
  • The county sheriff’s department and volunteer firefighters usually see to public safety

Question 23

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council
  
  • Public _____ are frequently provided by cooperatives or special districts, not the local government

Answer 23

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Mayor-council​
  
  • Public utilities are frequently provided by cooperatives or special districts, not the local government

Question 24

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Two main variations of the mayor-council form of government:
  
  • ______
  • ______

Answer 24

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Two main variations of the mayor-council form of government:
  
  • Weak mayor system
  • Strong mayor cities

Question 25

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• _________: the mayor has limited policy implementation and no veto powers; cannot establish policy without consent of the city council; cannot appoint or remove department heads

Answer 25

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Weak mayor system: the mayor has limited policy implementation and no veto powers; cannot establish policy without consent of the city council; cannot appoint or remove department heads

Question 26

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• __________ the mayor is often empowered to veto policies and ordinances passed by the council and to hire and fire city personnel as he or she deems appropriate

Answer 26

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Strong mayor cities: the mayor is often empowered to veto policies and ordinances passed by the council and to hire and fire city personnel as he or she deems appropriate
  
  • Houston is an example

Question 27

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• _______ – voters elect a city council and mayor, who in turn hire a city manager to carry out the council’s policies, allowing for both professional management and local political control

Answer 27

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager –voters elect a city council and mayor, who in turn hire a city manager to carry out the council’s policies, allowing for both professional management and local political control

Question 28

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • _______ –Professional political appointee who oversees city operations on a day-to-day basis

Answer 28

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • City manager –Professional political appointee who oversees city operations on a day-to-day basis

Question 29

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • Mayors have _____ powers; must rely on the force of their personalities to have an impact

Answer 29

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • Mayors have limited powers; must rely on the force of their personalities to have an impact

Question 30

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • Used by most _____-and _____-sized cities in Texas and throughout the United States

Answer 30

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • Used by most medium-and larger-sized cities in Texas and throughout the United States

Question 31

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager
  
  • Very little _____: optimum level of service and lower taxes

Answer 31

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Council-manager​
  
  • Very little waste: optimum level of service and lower taxes

Question 32

Table 11.1 Typical Duties of a City Manager

Question 33

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission–a group of elected commissioners run the city’s government, each overseeing a specific component of operations

Answer 33

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• _____–a group of elected commissioners run the city’s government, each overseeing a specific component of operations

Question 34

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • For example, a single commissioner oversees _________

Answer 34

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • For example, a single commissioner oversees police and fire, parks and recreation, or public streets

Question 35

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Only a ______ of cities operate under the commission system

Answer 35

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Only a handful of cities operate under the commission system

Question 36

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Criticized for being too ______

Answer 36

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Criticized for being too fragmented

Question 37

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Most closely resembles the ______ executive system found at the state level

Answer 37

Municipal Government

11.1 Compare and contrast the two types of cities and several forms of city government.

Forms of Municipal Government

• Commission
  
  • Most closely resembles the plural executive system found at the state level

Question 38

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• All municipal elections in Texas are ________, meaning the political party affiliation of the candidates is not identified during the campaign or on the ballot

Answer 38

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• All municipal elections in Texas are nonpartisan, meaning the political party affiliation of the candidates is not identified during the campaign or on the ballot

Question 39

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• ​The cost of running a successful municipal campaign is relatively ____

Answer 39

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• ​The cost of running a successful municipal campaign is relatively low

Question 40

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• Proponents believe non-partisan elections set up candidates to serve their _______ as a whole and make it easier for officials to work together

Answer 40

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• Proponents believe non-partisan elections set up candidates to serve their constituents as a whole and make it easier for officials to work together

Question 41

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• Opponents say voters unfamiliar with the candidates’ views may rely on _____ recognition and vote without knowledge

Answer 41

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• Opponents say voters unfamiliar with the candidates’ views may rely on name recognition and vote without knowledge

Question 42

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• For larger populations, an election administration manages: _______

Answer 42

Municipal Elections

• 11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.*
• For larger populations, an election administration manages elections, certifies ballots, and reports election results

Question 43

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• _______–a city-wide method of electing representatives where there are no districts or wards drawn, and the candidate may draw votes from the entire area to be governed

Answer 43

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• At-large system –a city-wide method of electing representatives where there are no districts or wards drawn, and the candidate may draw votes from the entire area to be governed

Question 44

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• At-large system
  
  • Most common because it works best for _____ towns

Answer 44

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• At-large system
  
  • Most common because it works best for small towns

Question 45

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• _______ –a system of electing local government leaders whereby the candidates must campaign for a particular seat on the city council
• Place system

Answer 45

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Place system –a system of electing local government leaders whereby the candidates must campaign for a particular seat on the city council

Question 46

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Place system
  
  • Most often used in medium-sized, more homogeneous cities

Answer 46

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Place system
  
  • Most often used in _____-sized, more _______ cities

Question 47

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Place system
  
  • Benefits political ______

Answer 47

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Place system
  
  • Benefits political newcomers

Question 48

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• ___________ –specific geographic area with a population equal to that of other districts that elects one person to represent that area

Answer 48

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district –specific geographic area with a population equal to that of other districts that elects one person to represent that area

Question 49

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Promotes diversity in _____ and _____ representation on the city council in larger cities

Answer 49

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Promotes diversity in ethnic and minority representation on the city council in larger cities

Question 50

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Usually ______ candidates run at large

Answer 50

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Usually mayoral candidates run at large

Question 51

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Opponents point to ______ and _____

Answer 51

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • Opponents point to complexities and cost

Question 52

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • In larger cities, successful candidates attempt to form ______—alliances consisting of a variety of individuals and groups in support of a particular candidate for elected office

Answer 52

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Types of Municipal Elections

• Single-member district
  
  • In larger cities, successful candidates attempt to form coalitions—alliances consisting of a variety of individuals and groups in support of a particular candidate for elected office

Question 53

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• Decisions that most affect the lives of citizens are made at the _____ level

Answer 53

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• Decisions that most affect the lives of citizens are made at the local level

Question 54

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• Locally based groups have made great strides in _____ the course of local government and policies, including:
  
  • ________
  • ________
  • ________
  • ________
  • ________

Answer 54

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• Locally based groups have made great strides in determining the course of local government and policies, including:
  
  • Ethnic groups
  • Neighborhood associations
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Civic organizations
  • Coalitions formed by these groups

Question 55

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• These groups often take advantage of ___ voter turnout

Answer 55

Municipal Elections

11.2 Evaluate the various structures of municipal government, including elections and forms of government.

Effects of Group Participation

• These groups often take advantage of low voter turnout

Question 56

Municipal Finance

• 11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.*
• The majority of Texas municipalities rely most heavily on ______ taxes to fund the services they provide

Answer 56

Municipal Finance

• 11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.*
• The majority of Texas municipalities rely most heavily on property taxes to fund the services they provide

Question 57

Municipal Finance

• 11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.*
• ________–a system of taxation that is assessed “according to value,” whereby the more a property is worth, the higher the tax to be paid on it

Answer 57

Municipal Finance

• 11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.*
• Ad valorem –a system of taxation that is assessed “according to value,” whereby the more a property is worth, the higher the tax to be paid on it

Question 58

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • Sales tax _____ from the state

Answer 58

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • Sales tax rebate from the state

Question 59

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • _______ tax from utility companies

Answer 59

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • Franchise tax from utility companies

Question 60

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • ________ –monies paid to local governments by citizens who utilize a particular government service (e.g., tuition at a state school or fees at a public boat ramp)

Answer 60

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • User fees –monies paid to local governments by citizens who utilize a particular government service (e.g., tuition at a state school or fees at a public boat ramp)

Question 61

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • _____ taxes to fund or supplement specific projects or services
    
    • Crime prevention, library, and stadium taxes
    • Tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) and economic development taxes aim to attract new business

Answer 61

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

• Other revenue generated by Texas municipalities include:
  
  • Special taxes to fund or supplement specific projects or services
    
    • Crime prevention, library, and stadium taxes
    • Tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) and economic development taxes aim to attract new business

Question 62

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• The bulk of spending goes toward _______ (police and fire)

Answer 62

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• The bulk of spending goes toward public safety (police and fire)

Question 63

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• ​Cities are bound by ____ to fund their day-to-day operations with money collected from taxes and fees

Answer 63

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• ​Cities are bound by law to fund their day-to-day operations with money collected from taxes and fees

Question 64

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Cities usually _____ money for major expenditures (e.g., flood control systems, buildings, street construction, major equipment)

Answer 64

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Cities usually borrow money for major expenditures (e.g., flood control systems, buildings, street construction, major equipment)

Question 65

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• __________–long-term infrastructure improvements, such as roads, that are often built with bond money

Answer 65

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Capital improvements –long-term infrastructure improvements, such as roads, that are often built with bond money

Question 66

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Bonds
  
  • ____________ –bonds issued by a local government for the purpose of making capital improvements and, like a mortgage, paid off in small, yearly payments

Answer 66

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Bonds
  
  • General obligation bonds –bonds issued by a local government for the purpose of making capital improvements and, like a mortgage, paid off in small, yearly payments

Question 67

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Bonds
  
  • ________–Issued by local governments for the purpose of capital improvements and repaid by revenue generated by the improvement; examples include sports arenas and public facilities for which there is an admission charge

Answer 67

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Bonds
  
  • Revenue bonds –Issued by local governments for the purpose of capital improvements and repaid by revenue generated by the improvement; examples include sports arenas and public facilities for which there is an admission charge

Question 68

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• ________ –power used to reclaim private property in the name of the government if needed for the greater public good

Answer 68

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain –power used to reclaim private property in the name of the government if needed for the greater public good

Question 69

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Used to construct: ________

Answer 69

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Used to construct highways, airports, shopping malls, military installations, and sports stadiums

Question 70

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Recent controversies surround plans to ______ property for projects such as bullet trains and the U.S.-Mexico border wall

Answer 70

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Recent controversies surround plans to seize property for projects such as bullet trains and the U.S.-Mexico border wall

Question 71

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Government must compensate the landowner for “fair market value,” but this is often in ______

Answer 71

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Eminent Domain
  
  • Government must compensate the landowner for “fair market value,” but this is often in dispute

Question 72

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Budgeting process requires extensive ______ and ______, as cities strive to maintain the lowest tax rates possible while maintaining the highest level of service

Answer 72

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Budgeting process requires extensive research and planning, as cities strive to maintain the lowest tax rates possible while maintaining the highest level of service

Question 73

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • In order to attract business and commerce, many municipalities offer financial incentives, called __________

Answer 73

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • In order to attract business and commerce, many municipalities offer financial incentives, called abatements

Question 74

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Have escalated in both ______ and ______ amounts

Answer 74

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Have escalated in both frequency and monetary amounts

Question 75

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • More businesses are seeking these ___ incentives to reduce costs

Answer 75

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • More businesses are seeking these tax incentives to reduce costs

Question 76

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Critics call them corporate welfare; proponents argue they are necessary to offset _____ property taxes

Answer 76

Municipal Finance

11.3 Identify the major sources of revenue and expenditures of local governments.

Municipal Finance

• Budgeting
  
  • Critics call them corporate welfare; proponents argue they are necessary to offset high property taxes

Question 77

County Government

• 11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.*
• The Texas constitution calls counties “_______ arms of state government”

Answer 77

County Government

• 11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.*
• The Texas constitution calls counties “administrative arms of state government”

Question 78

County Government

• 11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.*
• Everything the counties do is on behalf of the ______

Answer 78

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

• Everything the counties do is on behalf of the state
  
  • Texas license plates are distributed by the county tax office
  • State law violators are prosecuted in the county courts
  • State health services are administered through county-run facilities

Question 79

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Counties are considered “local governments” because county officials are ______ locally from within the county they serve

Answer 79

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Counties are considered “local governments” because county officials are elected locally from within the county they serve

Question 80

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Compared to cities, counties are relatively _____ in terms of autonomy because they do not have home rule charters and cannot adopt ordinances

Answer 80

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Compared to cities, counties are relatively weak in terms of autonomy because they do not have home rule charters and cannot adopt ordinances

Question 81

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Each county has specific _____ according to its size, location, population density, and other factors

Answer 81

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Each county has specific needs according to its size, location, population density, and other factors

Question 82

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Each county, regardless of size, is governed by a five-member county commissioners court composed of: _______

Answer 82

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Each county, regardless of size, is governed by a five-member county commissioners court composed of four commissioners and presided over by a county judge

Question 83

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• All elected county officials run in partisan elections and serve ___-year terms

Answer 83

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• All elected county officials run in partisan elections and serve four-year terms

Question 84

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• The county is divided into four precincts of _____ population, with each electing its own commissioner

Answer 84

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• The county is divided into four precincts of equal population, with each electing its own commissioner

Question 85

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• The county judge is elected at ______

Answer 85

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• The county judge is elected at large

Question 86

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Commissioners courts act as city managers more than _______

Answer 86

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Commissioners courts act as city managers more than courts

Question 87

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• ______ among the various elected county officials is especially vital because of the fragmented nature of county government

Answer 87

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Harmony among the various elected county officials is especially vital because of the fragmented nature of county government
  
  • –For instance, the commissioners court provides the sheriff with funds but has little, if any, oversight on how the funds are spent since the sheriff is independently elected

Question 88

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Conflicts are ____ and last only a few years—until the next elections

Answer 88

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Structure of County Government

• Conflicts are rare and last only a few years—until the next elections

Question 89

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• Counties allow _____ to decide whom to elect to positions such as police chiefs, finance officers, and clerks to perform specialized tasks

Answer 89

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• Counties allow voters to decide whom to elect to positions such as police chiefs, finance officers, and clerks to perform specialized tasks

Question 90

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• All elected county officials are elected to ____-year terms in partisan elections

Answer 90

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• All elected county officials are elected to four-year terms in partisan elections

Question 91

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• County officials answer to the _____ and not the mayor, council, or city manager

Answer 91

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

• County officials answer to the voters and not the mayor, council, or city manager

Question 92

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

_________

• Primary responsibilities are to provide law enforcement services to areas of the county not served by a police department and to oversee the county jail

Answer 92

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

Sheriff

• Primary responsibilities are to provide law enforcement services to areas of the county not served by a police department and to oversee the county jail
  
  • A Texas peace officer and a conservator of the peace

Enforces the criminal laws of the state

Responsible for bail bonds, civil process, and security of the courts

Question 93

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

Constable

• Primary duties are to work with the justice of the peace courts, serving subpoenas and notices, carrying out evictions, and performing other civil and criminal justice tasks
  
  • Texas peace officers requiring the same training as any sheriff’s deputy, municipal police officer, or state trooper
  • Each county elects one constable for each justice of the peace, up to eight justices of the peace and constable precincts
  • Many receive additional funding to carry out more traditional law enforcement duties, like monitoring traffic and serving warrants

Answer 93

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

Constable

• Primary duties are to work with the justice of the peace courts, serving subpoenas and notices, carrying out evictions, and performing other civil and criminal justice tasks
  
  • Texas peace officers requiring the same training as any sheriff’s deputy, municipal police officer, or state trooper
  • Each county elects one constable for each justice of the peace, up to eight justices of the peace and constable precincts
  • Many receive additional funding to carry out more traditional law enforcement duties, like monitoring traffic and serving warrants

Question 94

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

_______________

• County’s legal officer and adviser
  
  • Provides legal services for county agencies and officials; provides representation in lawsuits against the county; and on the commissioners court’s recommendation, may initiate lawsuits
  • Sole discretion in determining whether an individual will be held accountable for committing a crime
  • Can have a direct impact on the safety and quality of life

Answer 94

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

District or County Attorney

• County’s legal officer and adviser
  
  • Provides legal services for county agencies and officials; provides representation in lawsuits against the county; and on the commissioners court’s recommendation, may initiate lawsuits
  • Sole discretion in determining whether an individual will be held accountable for committing a crime
  • Can have a direct impact on the safety and quality of life

Question 95

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

_____________

• Is official custodian of county records
• Is registrar, recorder, and custodian of all documents that are part of criminal, juvenile, family court, and civil actions
• The staff manages jury duty these notices and assigns prospective jurors to the various courts

Answer 95

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

District Clerk

• Is official custodian of county records
• Is registrar, recorder, and custodian of all documents that are part of criminal, juvenile, family court, and civil actions
• The staff manages jury duty these notices and assigns prospective jurors to the various courts

Question 96

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

_____________

• Responsible for maintaining the county’s legal records and vital statistics, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and real estate transactions
• Records the court’s minutes and certifies all candidates running for countywide office
• Role varies greatly from county to county

Answer 96

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

County Clerk

• Responsible for maintaining the county’s legal records and vital statistics, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and real estate transactions
• Records the court’s minutes and certifies all candidates running for countywide office
• Role varies greatly from county to county

Question 97

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

____________

• Responsible for identifying taxable property and collecting taxes that are due to the state and county
  
  • –In the past, tax assessors were burdened with tremendous pressure from property owners seeking lower property values in order to lower taxes
• Collect registration renewal fees and issue titles for motor vehicles
• Registers voters in some counties

Answer 97

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

Tax Assessor-Collector

• Responsible for identifying taxable property and collecting taxes that are due to the state and county
  
  • –In the past, tax assessors were burdened with tremendous pressure from property owners seeking lower property values in order to lower taxes
• Collect registration renewal fees and issue titles for motor vehicles
• Registers voters in some counties

Question 98

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

_________

• County’s official bookkeeper
• Responsible for tracking all collections and expenditures and has considerable input in formulating the county’s budget
• Many urban counties have replaced this elected office with a county auditor appointed by the commissioners court

Answer 98

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Elected Officials

Treasurer

• County’s official bookkeeper
• Responsible for tracking all collections and expenditures and has considerable input in formulating the county’s budget
• Many urban counties have replaced this elected office with a county auditor appointed by the commissioners court

Question 99

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Criticism of County Government and Proposed Reform

• The major stumbling block on the path to reform is the Texas constitution, prohibiting counties from establishing ___________ and mandating a _____ executive system

Answer 99

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Criticism of County Government and Proposed Reform

• The major stumbling block on the path to reform is the Texas constitution, prohibiting counties from establishing home rule charters and ordinances and mandating a plural executive system

Question 100

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Criticism of County Government and Proposed Reform

• The most common complaints about county government:

Answer 100

County Government

11.4 Explain why counties were established and how they have evolved.

Criticism of County Government and Proposed Reform

• The most common complaints about county government:
  
  • The long ballot (diffusing accountability)
  • Inability to establish home rule
  • Inability to pass ordinances

Question 101

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

_________–a type of local government established for a specific geographic area and for a specific purpose such as education, flood control, or public utility service

Answer 101

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Special district–a type of local government established for a specific geographic area and for a specific purpose such as education, flood control, or public utility service

Question 102

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Special District

Answer 102

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Special District

• Substantially independent from other governments
• “Government character”–they have a source of funding
• “Recognized existence”–must be chartered by the state or otherwise approved by the state legislature and conduct business openly

Question 103

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

The Nature of Special Districts

Answer 103

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

The Nature of Special Districts

• Special districts make up the fastest-growing form of government in the nation today, especially in Texas
• More than 4,000 special districts in Texas, more than the number of cities and counties combined
• Most transcend city and county political boundaries and serve larger regions of the state
• Special districts fall under two broad categories: education and non-education

Question 104

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

Answer 104

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

• Independent school district (ISD)–local-level limited-purpose government that determines public school policy
• Each of approximately 1,000 Texas ISDs is governed by a school board, four to nine members chosen in local nonpartisan elections
• School board hires a professional manager, or superintendent; establishes a school calendar; sets teacher salaries, qualifications, and standards; oversees the construction and maintenance of buildings, vehicles, and other equipment; establishes the property tax rate; and selects textbooks

Question 105

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

Answer 105

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

• Most public school funding comes from local property taxes
• Disparity among ISDs: property rich and property poor districts refer to the amount of property taxes collected
• ISD funding is also received from the state’s Foundation School Program and other state and federal grants
• Approximately 50 community college districts offer academic and vocational programs
• Funding comes from property taxes and tuition

Question 106

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

Non-Education Districts

Answer 106

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Types of Special Districts

Education Districts

Non-Education Districts

• Hundreds of special districts deliver services such as water and utilities, public housing, hospitals, public transportation, flood control, noxious weed control, and wind erosion
• Most funding comes from property taxes
• Other sources of revenue include user fees, special sales taxes, and grants from the state and federal governments

Question 107

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Councils of Government

Answer 107

Special Districts

11.5 Summarize the importance of special districts in Texas.

Councils of Government

• Council of government (COG) –A regional voluntary cooperative with no regulatory or enforcement powers; it consists of local governments and assesses the needs of the area as a whole
• 24 COGs in Texas facilitate government services and prevent duplication of research and work
• No taxing power and cannot pass laws, rules, ordinances, or sanctions