Ch 11 Terms

Question 1

A financial incentive offered by governments to business and commercial concerns as a means of luring them to set up operations within the borders of a particular city.

Answer 1

abatement

Question 2

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 2

ad valorem

Question 3

A 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 3

at-large system

Question 4

Long-term infrastructure improvements, such as roads, that are often built with bond money.

Answer 4

capital improvements

Question 5

Professional political appointee who oversees city operations on a day-to-day basis.

Answer 5

city manager

Question 6

Alliances consisting of a variety of individuals and groups in support of a particular candidate for elected office.

Answer 6

coalitions

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

council of government (COG)

Question 8

A specific tax paid by businesses operating in Texas.

Answer 8

franchise tax

Question 9

A highly restrictive, and the most fundamental type of, legal status for municipal government.

Answer 9

general law

Question 10

Bonds issued by a local government for the purpose of making capital improvements and, like a mortgage, are paid off in small, yearly payments.

Answer 10

general obligation bonds

Question 11

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 11

home rule

Question 12

Local-level limited-purpose government that determines public school policy.

Answer 12

independent school district

Question 13

A system of electing local government leaders whereby the candidates must campaign for a particular seat on the city council.

Answer 13

place system

Question 14

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 14

revenue bonds

Question 15

Specific geographic area with a population equal to that of other districts that elects one person (a single member) to represent that area.

Answer 15

single-member district

Question 16

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 16

special district

Question 17

The appointed manager of a public school system.

Answer 17

superintendent

Question 18

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 18

user fees