Government 2301 Final Exam Practice Quiz
This is a practice quiz for a GOVT 2301 final exam. This quiz focuses on city and county government.
- 1.
What is a general - law city?
- A.
A.) The basic law of a city that defines its powers, responsibilities, and organization.
- B.
B.) A municipality that can take any actions not prohibited by state or federal law or the constitutions of the US or the state of Texas.
- C.
C.) A municipality that is limited to those governmental structures and powers specifically granted by state law.
Correct Answer
C. C.) A municipality that is limited to those governmental structures and powers specifically granted by state law.Explanation
A general-law city refers to a municipality that has limited powers and structures, which are specifically granted by state law. This means that the city's authority and responsibilities are defined and restricted by the laws set by the state government. Unlike a home-rule city, which has broader powers and can take actions not prohibited by state or federal law, a general-law city operates within the confines of what is explicitly granted to it by the state.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the main legal principle that differenciates general - law cities and home - law cities?
- A.
A.) Population bracket laws.
- B.
B.) Dillion's rule.
- C.
C.) Initiative processes.
Correct Answer
B. B.) Dillion's rule.Explanation
Dillion's law is the legal principle that a city can exercise only those powers expressly allowed by state law. Home - rule cities are not bound by Dillon's rule.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is a home - rule city?
- A.
A.) A municipality that can take any actions not prohibited by state or federal law or the constitutions of the US or state of Texas.
- B.
B.) A municipality that is limited to those governmental structures and powers specifically granted by state law.
- C.
C.) The basic law of a city that defines its powers, responsibilities, and organization.
Correct Answer
A. A.) A municipality that can take any actions not prohibited by state or federal law or the constitutions of the US or state of Texas.Explanation
A home-rule city refers to a municipality that has the authority to take any actions that are not explicitly prohibited by state or federal law, as well as the constitutions of the US or the state of Texas. This means that a home-rule city has a broader scope of powers and can make decisions and policies that are not limited to only those structures and powers specifically granted by state law, as mentioned in option B. The home-rule city's ability to act within the bounds of the law allows for more local autonomy and flexibility in governing its community.Rate this question:
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- 4.
If a city has less than 5,000 people, it must be a
- A.
A.) Home - rule city
- B.
B.) General - law city
- C.
C.) city not bound by Dillon's rule
Correct Answer
B. B.) General - law cityExplanation
A city with less than 5,000 people is classified as a general-law city. General-law cities are governed by general laws and regulations set by the state government, rather than having their own specific charters or home-rule powers. This means that they have limited autonomy and must adhere to the general laws and regulations of the state.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is a property tax reduction granted to homeowners on their principal residence?
- A.
A.) Truth in taxation law
- B.
B.) Homested exemption
- C.
C.) Annexation
Correct Answer
B. B.) Homested exemptionExplanation
A homestead exemption is a property tax reduction granted to homeowners on their principal residence. This exemption is provided to help alleviate the financial burden of property taxes for homeowners and is typically based on a percentage or fixed amount of the property's assessed value. It is a benefit that is meant to support and encourage homeownership by reducing the tax liability for individuals who live in their own homes.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the mayor - council form of city government?
- A.
A.) A structure of municipal government in which the city council / mayor appoints a professional administrator called a city manager to act as the chief executive officer of the municipality.
- B.
B.) A structure of municipal government in which the voters elect a mayor as the chief executive officer of the city and a council that serves as a legislative body.
- C.
C.) A structure of municipal government in which the city voters elect both a mayor and city manager to act as chief executives.
Correct Answer
B. B.) A structure of municipal government in which the voters elect a mayor as the chief executive officer of the city and a council that serves as a legislative body.Explanation
The correct answer is B because in the mayor-council form of city government, the voters elect a mayor as the chief executive officer of the city and a council that serves as a legislative body. This means that the mayor is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city, while the council is responsible for making laws and policies. This form of government allows for a separation of powers and provides a system of checks and balances.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the council - manager form of city government?
- A.
A.) A structure of municipal government in which the city council / mayor appoints a professional administrator called a city manager to act as the chief executive officer of the municipality.
- B.
B.) A structure of municipal government in which the voters elect a mayor as the chief executive officer of the city and a council that serves as a legislative body.
- C.
C.)A structure of municipal government in which the city voters elect both a mayor and city manager to act as chief executives.
Correct Answer
A. A.) A structure of municipal government in which the city council / mayor appoints a professional administrator called a city manager to act as the chief executive officer of the municipality.Explanation
The council-manager form of city government is a structure in which the city council/mayor appoints a professional administrator called a city manager to act as the chief executive officer of the municipality. This means that the city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, while the council/mayor focuses on policy-making and legislative functions. This form of government aims to provide professional management and expertise to the city administration, allowing elected officials to focus on their legislative duties.Rate this question:
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- 8.
In the mayor - council form of city government, the mayor's power is limited to performing ceremonial duties and presiding at council meetings.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
These would be limitations for a mayor in the council - manager form of city government.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In the council - manager form of city government, policy implementation is the responsibilty of the city manager.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In the council-manager form of city government, policy implementation is indeed the responsibility of the city manager. This system of government involves an elected council that sets policies and makes decisions, while a professional city manager is appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure that the council's policies are carried out effectively. The city manager is responsible for implementing these policies, managing city departments, and coordinating with other government agencies. Therefore, the statement that policy implementation is the responsibility of the city manager in the council-manager form of city government is true.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The council - manager form of city government is the most common type of city government among the states home - rule cities.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The council-manager form of city government is indeed the most common type of city government among home-rule cities. This form of government involves a city council that is responsible for making policy decisions and a professional city manager who is appointed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city. This system is popular because it allows for professional management of the city while still maintaining democratic accountability through the elected council members. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What are the responsibilites of a city government?
- 12.
What are the responsibilities of county governments?
- 13.
In a strong mayor - council form of city government, the mayor is the foremost figure, acting as both a political leader, and the city's chief administrative officer.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
In a strong mayor - council form of city government, the mayor holds significant power and authority. They serve as both the political leader, making important policy decisions, and the chief administrative officer, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city. This form of government gives the mayor a central role in governing the city and allows for more direct accountability to the community. Therefore, the statement that the mayor is the foremost figure in a strong mayor - council form of city government is true.Rate this question:
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- 14.
In a strong mayor - council form of city government, the mayor shares power with the council and other elected officials.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This would be a weak mayor - council form of city government.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Houston is the only big city in Texas to use the mayor - council form of city government.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Houston is the only big city in Texas to use the mayor-council form of city government because other big cities in Texas, such as Dallas and San Antonio, use a different form of city government, such as the council-manager form. In the mayor-council form, the mayor is the chief executive officer of the city and is directly elected by the people, while the council members are elected to represent different districts within the city. This form of government gives more power and authority to the mayor in decision-making and policy implementation.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Examples of the mayor - council system would be Dallas, El Paso, San Antonio, and Phoenix.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
These cities use the council - manager form.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Most general - law cities prefer to use the mayor - council form of city government because it is less expensive to operate than the council - manager form.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The statement suggests that most general-law cities prefer the mayor-council form of city government because it is cheaper to operate compared to the council-manager form. This implies that the mayor-council form may require fewer resources and administrative costs, making it a more cost-effective option for cities. Therefore, the answer is true.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Home - rule cities are limited to a narrow range of options when choosing the organizational structure of municipal government.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
Home - rule cities have more options in planning the organizational structure, it is general - law cities that have limited options.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Home - rule cities can annex with out the approval of the people living in the annexed area.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
General - law cities cannot annex unless the residents of the targeted area vote to accept the annexation.Rate this question:
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- 20.
In a strong mayor - council form of city government, the responsibilities of the mayor would include: approving the budget, confirming appointments, adopting ordinances, and overriding votoes.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
These are responsibilities of the council. Responsibilities of the mayor would include preparing the budget, appointing department heads, preparing the council's agenda, veto power on some council actions, and to supervise city departments.Rate this question:
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