Local Government Infrastructure Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does incorporation create?

A local government

A 'strong mayor' in the mayor-council system has the authority to:

Create a charter for the government

Appoint members of the council

Manage city departments (correct)

Make laws and policies

In a supervisor system, a board of supervisors is responsible for:

Governing the county, creating policies, and supervising a council

Governing the county with a council and an executive

Governing the county, overseeing departments, and creating policies (correct)

Governing the county, with little power to create policies

Which statement best describes a commission system?

A legislative body oversees city departments directly Signup and view all the answers

Before building a new sports stadium near the waterfront, a city is most likely to establish:

A redevelopment district Signup and view all the answers

A municipality's infrastructure includes which of the following?

Public utilities Signup and view all the answers

One example of regulating zoning is:

Limiting the number of fast-food restaurants that can be built near a residential area Signup and view all the answers

Who serves on a school board?

Members of the community Signup and view all the answers

Under which category of services do firefighters fall?

Public safety Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a municipality?

A city, town, or village with its own government Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Local Government Structure

Incorporation establishes local governments and creates counties with elected leaders.
Geographic boundaries are defined for villages, towns, and cities.
Local governments manage court systems on both county and city levels.

Mayor-Council System

"Strong mayor" holds significant authority, including appointing council members and managing city departments.
This system allows mayors to create laws and policies and develop a charter for local governance.

Supervisor System

Involves a board of supervisors that governs the county, oversees departments, and formulates policies.
This structure empowers supervisors with varying degrees of authority and responsibility.

Commission System

Features a legislative body that directly oversees city departments, with limited power for other bodies.
Elected leaders and the legislative body share governance responsibilities.

Urban Development and Infrastructure

Cities often establish redevelopment districts for projects like new sports stadiums.
A municipality's infrastructure encompasses public utilities, which are essential for community operation.

Zoning Regulations

Zoning regulations can include restrictions, such as limiting fast-food restaurant locations in residential areas.
These regulations aim to maintain community character and safety.

School Board Composition

School boards are typically comprised of community members rather than policymakers or appointed officials.
Their primary role includes overseeing education-related decisions and policies.

Public Safety Services

Local government services encompass various categories, with public safety including firefighters and emergency response units.
This service area is critical for maintaining community safety and preparedness.

Definition of Municipality

A municipality refers to a city, town, or village governed independently, distinct from other divisions of government.
It functions directly below the state level, offering local governance and law enforcement.

Description

Test your knowledge about the structure and functions of local government. This quiz covers key concepts like incorporation, the roles of mayors, and the organization of counties and cities. Perfect for students learning about local governance and political science.