Question 1

The most widely used approach thus far in Texas to solving metropolitan area problems has been

Accepted Answer

The most widely used approach in Texas to solving metropolitan area problems has been through the creation of councils of governments (COGs), which are regional planning bodies composed of local elected officials from various cities and counties. COGs allow for collaboration and coordination among different municipalities and counties in addressing common issues such as transportation, water supply, and housing. This approach has been successful in Texas, with over 500 COGs currently in operation. Constitutional amendment and the creation of metro governments have not been widely adopted in Texas, while weakening municipal governments and strengthening counties may actually exacerbate problems in metropolitan areas.

Question 2

Approximately how many noneducational special districts does Texas have?

Accepted Answer

Texas has approximately 2,300 noneducational special districts, which serve various specific functions such as water conservation, hospital districts, and fire control, among others.

Question 3

Describe the structure and function of county government in Texas. Should there be changes in the present constitutional provisions regarding county structure and power? If so, what is needed?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Provide a basic understanding of the role of property taxes in local government financing, including a description of the role played by the county tax appraisal districts. What problems can you see arising from the use of property taxes? If the property tax were to be abandoned, what alternative tax source might replace it?

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

There are four forms of municipal government that have historically been used in the United States. Describe each, including their characteristics and principal strengths and weaknesses. If you live in an incorporated municipality, what form of municipal government does it have?

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are four forms of municipal government...

Question 6

If local government is so important, why is it so difficult to get people as involved as they need to be? Are local issues easier or harder than national issues to understand? What can be done to increase local awareness?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If local government is so important, why...

Question 7

About what percentage of Texans live in metropolitan areas?

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2019, 88% of Texans live in metropolitan areas.

Question 8

Explain why county governments were formed in Texas. Include an understanding of the population differences, geographic size differences, and governmental structure of counties across Texas.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Describe how Texas might use metro governments. Explain why the use of metro governments in Texas has not become a popular option. Include an understanding of the role of councils of government.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Explain the revenue sources for local government in Texas. Explain how the sources of revenue for each type of local government help or hinders the government's operations.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

The term metro government refers to

Accepted Answer

Metro government refers to the consolidation of several existing local governments under one umbrella authority. This is typically done in metropolitan areas to overcome the problems associated with fragmentation and duplication of services across multiple municipalities. The goal is to streamline governance and achieve greater efficiency and accountability in providing public services to residents of the region. Examples of metro governments in the United States include Nashville-Davidson County, Louisville Metro, and Indianapolis-Marion County.

Question 12

Describe the authority under which school districts must operate. Include an understanding of state authority, including the role of the State Board of Education, and the role of federal regulations in the administration of education at the local level.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

The unincorporated area outside a city's boundaries into which it may annex is referred to as

Accepted Answer

The term for the unincorporated area outside a city's boundaries into which it may annex is referred to as extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Question 14

In Texas, voluntary associations of local governments that perform regional planning activities, among other things, are called

Accepted Answer

The description fits the definition of councils of government, which are voluntary associations of local governments that perform regional planning activities, among other things. Metro governments are a type of consolidated city-county government and may not necessarily involve multiple local governments. Special districts are local government entities with specific powers and responsibilities, but they may not necessarily perform regional planning activities. Interest groups are organizations that advocate for particular causes or interests and are not local governments.

Question 15

Explain why special districts are created in Texas. Detail the two main categories of special districts (school and noneducation special districts). Provide an understanding of the general functions and services provided by school districts.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Explain why municipal (city) governments are formed in Texas. Include a description of the minimum number of people required to form a city, the types of city government charters available, and the basic functions cities perform.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 3: Local Governments