Chapter 12 Flashcards
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.
Administrative Federalism
A process whereby areas adjacent to a city are added to the city, extending the city limits
Annexation
A county officer appointed by the district judge to oversee county finances.
Auditor
A plan of government that details the structure and function of the city government; similar to a constitution.
City Charter
The governing body for Texas counties, consisting of four elected commissioners and the judge from the county constitutional court.
Commissioner’s Court
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.
Constable
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.
Contract Outsourcing
The county official who represents the county in legal activities and offers legal advice to the county government
County Attorney
The agency administering the county’s civil service system; develops job definitions, qualification processes, employee classifications, and other aspects of the system.
County Civil Service Commission
The elected county official who maintains county records and in some counties oversees elections.
County Clerk
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.
Dillon’s Rule
Use of financial incentives by the national government to encourage policies at the state or local level.
Fiscal Federalism
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.
General Law City
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.
Home Rule City
An elected county officer who acts as a judicial officer for minor criminal and civil cases.
Justice of the Peace
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
Machine Politics
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.
Merit-Based Civil Service System
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
Municipal Bond
A special district that provides water, sewer, or similar services to individuals and businesses outside city limits.
Municipal Utility District (MUD)
A law enacted by a city government.
Ordinance
A type of election in which candidates’ names and party affiliations appear on the ballot.
Partisan Election
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.
Privatization
The elected county official who oversees county law enforcement.
Sheriff
The elected county officer who collects county taxes and user fees.
Tax Assessor.
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.
Zoning Policy
