Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary revenue source for county governments in Texas?
What is the primary revenue source for county governments in Texas?
Which type of municipal government is the most prevalent form in Texas?
Which type of municipal government is the most prevalent form in Texas?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Home Rule Charters?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Home Rule Charters?
What percentage of county expenditures typically goes to law enforcement and the justice system?
What percentage of county expenditures typically goes to law enforcement and the justice system?
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In the context of municipal governments, what does a weak-mayor system commonly exhibit?
In the context of municipal governments, what does a weak-mayor system commonly exhibit?
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What is a significant issue related to county government expenditures?
What is a significant issue related to county government expenditures?
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Which type of municipal government format typically allows for less local power?
Which type of municipal government format typically allows for less local power?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical source of revenue for county governments?
Which of the following is NOT a typical source of revenue for county governments?
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What was one of the original rationales for establishing special districts?
What was one of the original rationales for establishing special districts?
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How did the incidence of special districts in Texas change from the 1950s to 1990?
How did the incidence of special districts in Texas change from the 1950s to 1990?
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What advantage do land developers gain from leveraging special districts?
What advantage do land developers gain from leveraging special districts?
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What conflict can arise between states and local governments regarding school funding in Texas?
What conflict can arise between states and local governments regarding school funding in Texas?
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Which issue was overturned by the state government after local legislation was passed in Denton, Texas?
Which issue was overturned by the state government after local legislation was passed in Denton, Texas?
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What is a recent example of conflict between local control and state legislation regarding worker rights?
What is a recent example of conflict between local control and state legislation regarding worker rights?
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What typifies the relationship between local governments and state authorities in Texas?
What typifies the relationship between local governments and state authorities in Texas?
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Which of the following actions was taken by the Texas Supreme Court in 2018?
Which of the following actions was taken by the Texas Supreme Court in 2018?
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Which type of municipality typically employs a Council-Manager government?
Which type of municipality typically employs a Council-Manager government?
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What major municipal expenditures combine to make up about half of a city's budget?
What major municipal expenditures combine to make up about half of a city's budget?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the weak mayor-council system?
Which of the following is a characteristic of the weak mayor-council system?
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What is the predicted relationship between median family income and city taxes paid per capita?
What is the predicted relationship between median family income and city taxes paid per capita?
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How are the workforce and supervision organized within a special district?
How are the workforce and supervision organized within a special district?
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Which form of government typically allows for an elected mayor with significant authority?
Which form of government typically allows for an elected mayor with significant authority?
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What influences voter turnout measures most significantly in relation to city size and governance?
What influences voter turnout measures most significantly in relation to city size and governance?
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What is a distinctive feature of special districts?
What is a distinctive feature of special districts?
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Study Notes
Local Government in the US
- Local governments in the US are numerous and varied, with approximately 90,000 entities. These include counties, municipalities, towns, townships, school districts, and special districts.
- The number of special districts has increased over time, while other types have remained relatively stable.
- The number of local governments in a state correlates weakly with its population. Texas has a significant number of local governments, while Nevada has fewer.
- Major revenue for local governments in 2010 came from property taxes and sales taxes.
- Spending for the average local government in 2010 was largely allocated to K-12 education, insurance, utilities, interest, government administration, environmental protection, housing, public safety, transportation, medical care, and welfare support.
- County governments in the US have dual roles, providing direct services such as roads, public health services, property records, and administrating state functions.
- Typical county government structures vary but involve voters electing a legislative body (e.g., Commissioners' Court) and possibly an executive officer. Texas county governments have a county judge with legislative and executive duties, and commissioners are all elected.
- Types of municipal governments in the US include Mayor-Council (38%) with subtypes of strong-mayor and weak-mayor; Council-Manager (58%) which is more common in Texas; Town Meeting (4%); and Commission (1%). Mayor-Council models are prevalent in larger cities.
County Government
- County governments in the U.S. are dual-purpose entities, meaning they serve both direct services and act as administrators of state functions.
Texas County Government
- Texas county governments have a unique structure. The county judge is the elected executive and part of the legislative body, commissioners court.
- The elected officials include, besides the county judge, commissioners, justices, attorneys, sheriff, and constables.
- There are also appointed officials such as tax assessors, treasurers, election administrator/voter registrar, auditor, health officer, coroner, and library board.
- Some characteristics of Texas county governance are that the county judge serves a double duty as both an executive and legislative figure, and the existence of an independent chief executive is not typical.
Revenue and Expenditures
- Property taxes and sales taxes are major sources of revenue for county governments.
- Law enforcement and justice system (~50%), roads and bridges (10-30%), and health and welfare (~10%) are significant expenditures for counties.
Equity in County Government
- Equity is not often specifically built into county finances
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Description
This quiz explores the structure and functions of local governments in the United States. It covers the various types of local entities, their funding sources, and the allocation of spending. Delve into the complexities of governance at the local level and understand the significance of these entities in larger state operations.
