Topic 10 - Local Government, General Purpose Governments Flashcards
Does the US constitutions mention local governments? Why?
It doesn’t mention local governments b/c it
recognizes states as sovereign politcal entities.
AKA states can make their own local governments and its not up to the consitution
What is a local government? What do they do?
They are subdivisions of state governments.
They use authority delegated (given) to them by state government.
AKA
They do the things the state government tells them to do
What is Dillons Rule?
A principal of local government that says:
“The power of local government is limited by what the state government gives it” ~ not a direct quote
This sets a strict interpretation of local authority
Is Dillons Rule 100% accurate to real life? Why?
NO!
Local governments tend to have substantial(significant) autonomy
What are the 2 functions of local governments?
- Service function: provide services (water, electricity, schools)
- Politcal Functions: Has to decide ‘Who gets what?’
What are the two categories of Local Governments
1.General Serives : provide wide range of services
2.Special Purpose: provide a specific or a single service
What are the 3 type of General Purpose governments? (TMC)
- County Governments:
service provider and administrator - Municipal/City governments: police, fire, parks, streets, sanitation, welfare &
(sometimes) education - Towns & Townships: not easily destiguinshable between municipal
What is a Special District?
Serve a single specific purpose
Like fire-protection, mosquito-control, parks, library
They are really important but they’re the least understood
What is a County Government in the US?
*Oldest form of govt
*Usually is a body of commissioners with legislative and executive power
What do county governments do in Texas?
*Controls land use for unincorporated (uncontrolled) land
*Service Provider
*local administrator for the state
What is a City???
“municipal corporation”
A place governed by a document called a charter
What is a city charter?
Determines the structure and powers of city government. Like a mini constitution!
History of the Municipal Charter?
Royal charters: gave town privilaged
US: rules for municipal incorporation set by state legislature
What are the 3 Types of Municipal Charter?
Remember: charters are the mini constitutions of a city
- General/Law: the defaul type (the state provides the framework(copy and paste charter))
- Special Act charter: given special enactment(law making)
by state legislature
(make some changes to the general charter) - Home Rule: local commuity adopt own form of government (we do what we want (the most autonamous))
What type of municipal charter do Tx cities use?
Gener law citites : small town, limited powers of self govt
Home rule cities: “full power of self government”( if more than 5k residents)
