Question 1

Since Texas voters tend to be resistant to property tax increases, municipal governments are often forced to

Accepted Answer

A)  rely on new or increased fees on services such as garbage collection. 
B)  stop hiring or freeze the wages of municipal employees. 
C)  cut services, particularly for inner-city residents. 
D)  All of these choices are actions taken by municipal governments to deal with inadequate property tax revenue.

Question 2

In the ___________ form of municipal government, the mayor shares appointive and removal power with a city council.

Accepted Answer

A)  strong mayor-council 
B)  weak mayor-council 
C)  commission 
D)  council-manager

Question 3

In the 50 counties with no county attorney, the function is performed by

Accepted Answer

A)  a resident district attorney. 
B)  a deputy assigned by the attorney general. 
C)  the county sheriff. 
D)  the county auditor.

Question 4

The process for removing an elected official during his/her term through a popular vote, is referred toas

Accepted Answer

A)  impeachment. 
B)  recall. 
C)  initiative. 
D)  referendum.

Question 5

Which of the following views of local government power dictates that local government should only have those powers expressly granted by the state?

Accepted Answer

A)  Dillon's Rule 
B)  Ogden's Rule 
C)  Cooley's Rule 
D)  Perry's Rule

Question 6

What is the difference between Dillon's Rule and the Cooley Doctrine? Which does Texas follow more closely and in what ways does this effect the relationship between state and local governments here?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between Dillon's Rule...

Question 7

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a council-manager form of government?

Accepted Answer

A)  A mayor with power to veto council actions 
B)  A city manager appointed by the city council 
C)  An elected mayor and city council 
D)  A city manager responsible for managing the city's departments

Question 8

A proposed law arising from a citizen petition is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  initiative. 
B)  referendum. 
C)  recall. 
D)  impeachment.

Question 9

A unit of local government performing a single function (such as providing schools or hospitals) for a designated geographic area is a

Accepted Answer

A)  council of government. 
B)  municipal government. 
C)  county government. 
D)  special-district government.

Question 10

Which of the following would not be an example of a special district?

Accepted Answer

A)  Water supply district 
B)  Congressional district 
C)  Fire protection district 
D)  Sewage district

Question 11

There are a variety of forms of local government in Texas, including

Accepted Answer

A)  municipal governments, townships, and special districts. 
B)  county governments, boroughs, and special districts. 
C)  county government, villages, and cities. 
D)  special districts, counties, and cities.

Question 12

In Texas, a community with a population of less than 5,000 may become a(n)

Accepted Answer

A)  home-rule city. 
B)  sovereign entity. 
C)  township. 
D)  general-law city.

Question 13

Most Texas cities struggle to provide basic services because

Accepted Answer

A)  sales and property taxes are regressive and limited by state law. 
B)  Texas voters are increasingly hostile to increases in property taxes. 
C)  state assistance to Texas cities is low. 
D)  All of these choices contribute to the financial dilemma faced by Texas cities.

Question 14

Of the following county officials, who is appointed by the district judge?

Accepted Answer

A)  County sheriff 
B)  County judge 
C)  County auditor 
D)  County tax assessor-collector

Question 15

Approximately _______ percent of Texans reside in cities.

Accepted Answer

A)  3 
B)  52 
C)  80 
D)  97

Question 16

To cut costs and introduce residents to e-technology, Bexar county created a

Accepted Answer

A)  bookless digital library where patrons scan their library card and check in and out virtual books. 
B)  Facebook page to link all citizens together and build community. 
C)  phone app for paying fines and tickets. 
D)  All of these choices were created by Bexar county.

Exam 3: Local Governments