Chapter 12 Quiz

Question 1

There are ____ counties in Texas.

Answer 1

254

Question 2

Geographically, the largest county in the state of Texas is _____ County.

Answer 2

Brewster

Question 3

In terms of population, the largest county in the state of Texas is ____ County.

Answer 3

Harris.

Question 4

The legislative/executive body of county government in charge of setting the tax rate, administering election procedures, and maintaining roads and bridges, among other duties, is the…

Answer 4

commissioners court

Question 5

Which jurisdiction were established as administrative arms of the state of Texas and constitutionally must all have the same framework of govt.?

Answer 5

counties

Question 6

Which office has limited budget-making powers but presides over the commissioners court and is elected to a four-year term in a countywide election?

Answer 6

The county judge

Question 7

In this form of municipal government, the formal powers given to the mayor by the city charter may include the ability to hire and fire several key department executives, as well as a great deal of control over the city budget.

Answer 7

strong mayor-council form of government

Question 8

The most common form of municipal government in Texas in which municipal government is established based on longstanding statutory laws is the…

Answer 8

general law city.

Question 9

The means by which municipalities restrict what property owners may do with their property, designating parts of the city for residential use, commercial use, and industrial use is called…

Answer 9

zoning policy.

Question 10

Which type of government lacks the ability to exert influence on the zoning and use of land just outside its boundaries?

Answer 10

county government

Question 11

The need for special districts in Texas is due in large part to the limitations on city and county governments, such as the constitutional limitations on taxing authority.

Answer 11

True.

Question 12

Every county in Texas, regardless of size, is politically subdivided into four precincts.

Answer 12

True.

Question 13

Home rule cities in Texas have greater freedom in the organization and function of city government than general law cities.

Answer 13

True.

Question 14

The most common form of city government found in Texas is the strong mayor-council form.

Answer 14

False.

Question 15

The state of Texas is able to avoid the use of income taxes because of the reliance on property taxes.

Answer 15

True.

Question 16

The appointment of judges to state and county courts is a major political issue being dealt with by city governments in Texas today.

Answer 16

False.

Question 17

Dillon’s Rule assumes local governments to be creatures of state governments but not the federal government.

Answer 17

True.

Question 18

Texas is in the top five for number of local governments in the United States.

Answer 18

True.

Question 19

Partisan elections are used to select county commissioners.

Answer 19

True.

Question 20

Sheriffs are appointed in Texas.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

City charters must be approved by the voters.

Answer 21

False.

Question 22

If a city’s population drops below 5,000 citizens, it loses its home rule status.

Answer 22

False.