Question 1

The ________ refers to a constitutional arrangement in which power is concentrated in a central government.

Accepted Answer

A unitary system is a constitutional arrangement in which power is concentrated in a central government. In this system, the central government has the authority to create and enforce laws throughout the country, while local governments only have powers that are granted to them by the central government.

Question 2

Local government units exist only as agents of the state and exercise only those powers expressly given to them by their respective state governments.This relationship is known as ________.

Accepted Answer

Dillon's Rule is a legal principle that states that local governments are subordinate to the state government and can only exercise the powers that the state explicitly grants to them. The other options are not related to the relationship between state and local governments.

Question 3

Which of the following refers to a suburb?

Accepted Answer

A suburb is a residential area located within commuting distance of a city.

Question 4

In the context of county government, the ________ administer state laws, levy taxes, appropriate money, issue bonds, sign contracts on behalf of the county, and handle whatever jobs the state laws and constitution assign to them.

Accepted Answer

The Board of Supervisors is a common term used for the governing body of county government in many states, including California, Virginia, and Arizona. These supervisors have the authority to carry out a wide range of tasks related to county government, including implementing state laws, managing budgets, and overseeing various county agencies, programs, and services. Council managers typically refer to the governing bodies of city government, while chief administrative officers and administrative commissions may have different roles and responsibilities depending on the specific jurisdiction. Councils of government also have a different function, as they are regional organizations that help local governments work together on issues of mutual interest.

Question 5

The city of Fort Worth, Texas is located adjacent to the city of Dallas, Texas.Together they form a very large integral urban area that is interconnected in many ways.This joint entity is known as a ________.

Accepted Answer

The joint entity formed by Fort Worth and Dallas is known as a metropolitan area, which refers to a large urban region that includes a central city and its surrounding suburbs and often spans multiple counties.

Question 6

Companies doing business with the city must provide their workers enough income for a decent standard of living.This idea, enacted by communities, is known as ________.

Accepted Answer

The idea described in the sentence is commonly known as "living wage" laws. These laws require companies doing business with the city to pay their workers enough income to sustain a decent standard of living.

Question 7

Which of the following refers to a township?

Accepted Answer

A township is a local level of government below the county used primarily in 20 northeastern states.

Question 8

Which of the following is true of the relationship between local and state governments?

Accepted Answer

State officials have the authority to appoint and remove some local officials. This is because the power of local governments is granted by the state government, and therefore, state officials have some control over their operations. However, this authority varies by state and by the level of local government.

Question 9

In the context of local government structures, areas of high population density are considered ________.

Accepted Answer

Areas of high population density are typically considered to be urban. Rural areas tend to have lower population densities, while municipal corporations are specific types of local government structures that may exist within urban or rural areas. Counties are broader geographic designations and do not necessarily relate to population density. Low housing density may be a characteristic of rural or suburban areas, but it is not necessarily the defining feature of high population density areas.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a traditional function of a county government?

Accepted Answer

County governments typically do not engage in legislative functions as they are typically under the jurisdiction of the state or federal government. The other options (law enforcement, highway construction, tax collection, property assessment) are all traditional functions of county government.

Question 11

Which of the following refers to a metropolitan area?

Accepted Answer

The larger area surrounding a metropolis that is heavily influenced by the metropolis, generally consisting of suburbs and other smaller cities.

Question 12

________ refers to state constitutional authorization for local governments to conduct their own affairs.

Accepted Answer

Home rule refers to a state constitutional provision that grants local governments the authority to govern themselves without interference from the state government. This means that local governments have the ability to pass their own laws, regulations, and ordinances without state approval. It is a form of decentralization that allows for greater local autonomy and self-governance. Redistricting refers to the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, while a reduction veto is a type of veto that proposes changes to a bill rather than rejecting it outright. Due process refers to the legal requirement that the government respect an individual's legal rights before depriving them of life, liberty, or property.

Question 13

Which of the following is true of the local government in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Local governments are not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution; they are created by state governments and derive their authority from state law.

Question 14

Which of the following refers to a municipality?

Accepted Answer

A municipality refers to a local level of government within counties, typically organized around population centers, responsible for providing local services and governance.

Question 15

Which of the following refers to a metropolis?

Accepted Answer

A metropolis is a large city or municipality that serves as an economic and cultural center for a region.

Question 16

Which of the following refers to a county?

Accepted Answer

A county refers to the largest local level of government below the state, currently used in 48 states.

Question 17

Which of the following refers to an exurb?

Accepted Answer

An exurb refers to a community on the fringe or an urban area, defined by relatively high levels of commuting to the urban area, low housing density, and high population growth.

Question 18

Which of the following is a step taken to improve the efficiency of county governments?

Accepted Answer

The appointment of professional county executives can improve the efficiency of county governments by introducing more expertise and management skills into the administration. This can lead to better decision-making, improved allocation of resources, and increased accountability. The other options may have unintended consequences or may not necessarily result in greater efficiency. For example, increasing responsibilities without addressing capacity or resources can lead to overwhelmed and inefficient governments. Similarly, increased state intervention may be necessary in some cases but can also undermine local autonomy and efficiency. A larger revenue base may be helpful, but it is not a guarantee of improved efficiency unless it is accompanied by effective management and capacity-building efforts. Improved capacities are important, but they are not sufficient on their own without adequate resources and effective leadership.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT an example of an administrative officer of a county?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is NOT an...

Question 20

________ are the largest jurisdictions within a state and are among the oldest and most stable local governments in terms of their boundaries not changing.

Accepted Answer

Counties are the largest jurisdictions within a state and are among the oldest and most stable local governments in terms of their boundaries not changing. Metropolitan areas, exurbs, suburbs, and towns may also be located within a county, but they are not the primary governmental entity within that area.

Quiz 8: Local Governments and Metropolitics