Government Exam Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which type of charter offers the greatest authority to a city in governing its citizens?

Limited Charter

Special Charter

General Law

Home Rule (correct)

An economic development corporation is classified as a

nonschool special districts

How do most county officials gain office?

election by the voters

Over the years, the number of municipal governments in Texas has

increased the number Signup and view all the answers

In the mayor-council form of government, mayors are selected

through an at-large election Signup and view all the answers

The __________ of government makes use of a professionally trained city manager.

council-manager style Signup and view all the answers

Ultimately, who creates special districts?

the voters in the area to be served by the special district Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of funding for special districts?

property taxes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a regional council of government (COG) role in Texas government?

Several cities and counties develop a plan for a toll road that serves the area Signup and view all the answers

Why are county governments important in Texas?

They provide the main form of government in rural areas Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is chartered for localities with a population of less than 5,000.

general-law city Signup and view all the answers

Community colleges create a specific unit of local government known as a

special district Signup and view all the answers

If you live outside the city limits, which unit of government manages electricity, water, sewer, and sanitation services?

municipality utility district Signup and view all the answers

An important source of funding for school districts in Texas are

capital appreciation bonds Signup and view all the answers

County government in Texas exists primarily to govern

rural areas Signup and view all the answers

The term 'hidden government' refers to

special districts located throughout the state Signup and view all the answers

There are __________ counties in the state of Texas.

254 Signup and view all the answers

The Texas legislature's ban on 'sanctuary cities' across local governments demonstrates the use of __________ by the state.

preemption Signup and view all the answers

What is an at-large election?

An election in which voters elect officials from the entire geographical area, rather than from a smaller district within the area Signup and view all the answers

The mayor-council form of government consists of

an elected mayor and city council Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Structure and Authority

Home rule grants the greatest authority to cities, allowing local governance with fewer state restrictions.
Mayors in the mayor-council government system are elected through at-large elections, representing the entire city or municipality.
The council-manager style of government operates with a professionally trained city manager handling administrative duties.

Financial Aspects of Local Government

The primary funding source for special districts is property taxes, supporting various local services.
Capital appreciation bonds are a significant funding source for Texas school districts, facilitating school improvements and construction.

Local Government Dynamics

The number of municipal governments in Texas has increased over the years, reflecting urban growth and diversification of services.
County governments serve a vital role in Texas, primarily governing rural areas and providing essential services.

Special Districts and Their Function

Special districts are created by voters in the specific area to be served, tailoring local governance to community needs.
Examples of special districts include municipality utility districts which manage services like electricity, water, sewer, and sanitation outside city limits.

Elections and Governance

Most county officials are elected by voters, promoting local democratic participation and governance.
An at-large election allows voters to elect officials from the entire geographical area, rather than limiting choices to smaller districts.

Regional Collaboration

Regional councils of governments (COGs) play a critical role in collaborative planning, such as developing toll road projects to benefit multiple cities and counties.

General Law and Administrative Jurisdiction

General-law cities are chartered for populations under 5,000, adhering to state statutes for governance.
The term "hidden government" refers to the prevalence of special districts throughout Texas, functioning without widespread public recognition.

Legislative Influence and Preemption

The Texas legislature enacts preemption laws that prohibit local governments from declaring themselves as "sanctuary cities," reflecting state control over local policy decisions.

Texas Governance Statistics

Texas is divided into 254 counties, each responsible for local governance, rural administration, and various community services.

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Test your knowledge on government concepts and terminology with these flashcards. Covering topics like charters, economic development, and county officials, this quiz is perfect for students preparing for government exams.