20 Questions
What is the main source of income for local governments?
Taxes on land and buildings
Where do the powers of local governments in the United States usually come from?
The state constitutions
What defines a municipality in most states?
An area with organized government providing services
What is a characteristic of the commission government?
It does not divide legislative and executive powers
Why have many cities shifted from a commission form of government to a council-manager or mayor-council system?
To concentrate more on the city as a whole rather than individual departments
What is the main purpose of a special district in municipal government?
To address a specific task such as education or water supply
Why have some metropolitan areas created councils bringing together city and suburban officials?
To address challenges collectively, such as population growth and municipal services
What is a city charter in the context of local government?
A document that outlines the type of city government, its structure, and its powers
What distinguishes the strong-mayor system from the weak-mayor system in a mayor-council form of government?
The strong mayor has strong executive powers and can veto laws passed by the city council
What is the primary responsibility of a city manager in the council-manager form of local government?
Drawing up a budget for the city and handling all issues that affect city workers
What is the main source of income for local governments?
Fees and fines such as parking violations
Where do local governments get the powers they have in the United States?
From the state constitutions
What defines a municipality in most states?
A local area with organized government providing services to residents
What is a defining characteristic of the commission form of government?
Election of commissioners by the city's voters
Why have many cities shifted from a commission form of government to a council-manager or mayor-council system?
To address the limitations of the commission form in setting and meeting goals
What is the primary purpose of a special district in municipal government?
To address specific tasks such as education, water supply, or transportation
What defines a metropolitan area according to the U.S. Census Bureau?
An area with a total population of 50,000 or more, including central city and suburbs
What is the purpose of a city charter in local government?
To define the type of city government, its structure, and its powers
What distinguishes the strong-mayor system from the weak-mayor system in a mayor-council form of government?
The strong-mayor system gives the mayor strong executive powers and influence, while the weak-mayor system limits the mayor’s power
Under the council-manager form of local government, what is the role of the city manager?
Drawing up a budget for the city and reporting to the council
Test your knowledge on the creation, funding, and organization of local governments. Local governments play a crucial role in providing services like road maintenance, police and fire protection, and schools to the urban population.
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