Chapter 12

Question 1

The process whereby the national government sets policy guidelines then expects state governments to pay for the programs they engender without the aid of federal monies.

Answer 1

Administrative Federalism

Question 2

A process whereby areas adjacent to a city are added to the city, extending the city limits

Answer 2

Annexation

Question 3

A county officer appointed by the district judge to oversee county finances.

Answer 3

Auditor

Question 4

A plan of government that details the structure and function of the city government; similar to a constitution.

Answer 4

City Charter

Question 5

The governing body for Texas counties, consisting of four elected commissioners and the judge from the county constitutional court.

Answer 5

Commissioner’s Court

Question 6

An elected county officer who acts as a judicial officer for minor criminal and civil cases; assists the justice of the peace with his or her duties.

Answer 6

Constable

Question 7

A process whereby a government entity contracts with a private company to perform a service that governments traditionally provide, such as a contract to collect trash and garbage.

Answer 7

Contract Outsourcing

Question 8

The county official who represents the county in legal activities and offers legal advice to the county government

Answer 8

County Attorney

Question 9

The agency administering the county’s civil service system; develops job definitions, qualification processes, employee classifications, and other aspects of the system.

Answer 9

County Civil Service Commission

Question 10

The elected county official who maintains county records and in some counties oversees elections.

Answer 10

County Clerk

Question 11

The principle that, regardless of the type of local government, all local governments are creatures of the state government and have only those powers specifically granted to them by the state.

Answer 11

Dillon’s Rule

Question 12

Use of financial incentives by the national government to encourage policies at the state or local level.

Answer 12

Fiscal Federalism

Question 13

The default organization for Texas cities, with the exact forms of government, ordinance powers, and other aspects of city government specified in the Texas Local Government Code.

Answer 13

General Law City

Question 14

A city that has been granted greater freedom in the organization and functioning of city government; it can make structural and administrative changes without seeking permission from the state.

Answer 14

Home Rule City

Question 15

An elected county officer who acts as a judicial officer for minor criminal and civil cases.

Answer 15

Justice of the Peace

Question 16

A system of patronage whereby political organizations, led by a local party boss, disperse city jobs, government contracts, and other benefits to maintain control of city governance; power, once acquired, is typically used for personal gain

Answer 16

Machine Politics

Question 17

A system in which people receive governmental jobs based upon a set of qualifications and formal training; job promotion and pay raises are based upon job performance.

Answer 17

Merit-Based Civil Service System

Question 18

A certificate of indebtedness issued by a city that serves as a pledge by the city to pay back the loan over time with interest; used to raise money for services and infrastructure; may also be issued by other forms of local govt., such as counties, school districts, and special districts

Answer 18

Municipal Bond

Question 19

A special district that provides water, sewer, or similar services to individuals and businesses outside city limits.

Answer 19

Municipal Utility District (MUD)

Question 20

A law enacted by a city government.

Answer 20

Ordinance

Question 21

A type of election in which candidates’ names and party affiliations appear on the ballot.

Answer 21

Partisan Election

Question 22

A process whereby a government entity sells off assets or services to a private company that is then responsible for providing a service; school district sells its buses to a private company and allows the company to provide transportation to schools.

Answer 22

Privatization

Question 23

The elected county official who oversees county law enforcement.

Answer 23

Sheriff

Question 24

The elected county officer who collects county taxes and user fees.

Answer 24

Tax Assessor.

Question 25

Policy whereby the city restricts what individuals and entitles may do with their property, usually by designating certain areas of the city for industrial, commercial, or residential uses.

Answer 25

Zoning Policy