Question 1

Which of the following is a problem historically faced by central cities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is a problem...

Question 2

Resistance to mandatory busing to achieve integrated schools in the 1960s and 1970s contributed to the so-called ________.

Accepted Answer

Resistance to mandatory busing led to a phenomenon called "white flight," which refers to the large-scale movement of white families from urban areas to predominantly white suburbs in order to avoid mandatory integration.

Question 3

What is meant by the strong mayor-council form?

Accepted Answer

The strong mayor-council form is a type of local government where the mayor is directly elected by the voters and possesses significant administrative authority over the city. This is in contrast to the council-manager form, where the city council hires a professional manager to run the city, or the commission form, where power is divided among several elected or appointed officials.

Question 4

Which of the following is true of the role of the mayor?

Accepted Answer

Mayors often work with the private sector to promote economic opportunities and growth in their city. While mayors may also have some legislative responsibilities, they typically do not make more in salary than city managers or chief city administrators. Mayors may also be involved in overseeing special agencies such as the board of elections, and may work with the school board on education policy depending on the structure of government in their particular city.

Question 5

Which of the following is a reason for the recent rejuvenation of the once-declining central cities in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Gentrification has been a driving force behind the recent rejuvenation of once-declining central cities in the United States. It involves the renovation and rebuilding of deteriorated urban neighborhoods by higher-income individuals, often leading to an increase in property values, improved infrastructure and services, and a more vibrant community.

Question 6

Which of the following is true of the strong mayor-council form?

Accepted Answer

The strong mayor-council form of government grants the mayor almost total administrative authority, making the mayor the most powerful figure in the city government. The city council's power is limited to a legislative role, and the mayor typically has appointive powers that are not restricted. The mayor is not typically chosen from members of the elected city council and does not need to obtain consent from the council for all major decisions.

Question 7

Which of the following is a criticism of payroll or commuter tax?

Accepted Answer

The criticism of payroll or commuter tax is that it will encourage more businesses to leave a city, as they may not want to bear the additional cost of the tax. This could lead to a decreased tax base and ultimately hurt the city's revenue.

Question 8

What is meant by the weak mayor-council form?

Accepted Answer

The weak mayor-council form of government is a form of local government in which the members of the city council select the mayor, who then shares power with other elected or appointed boards and commissions. In this form of government, the mayor has limited authority and serves as more of a figurehead or ceremonial leader rather than a powerful executive. The city council is responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing the daily operations of the city, often with the help of a professional administrator.

Question 9

Which of the following can dramatically affect city policy agendas?

Accepted Answer

A large number of new migrants can dramatically affect city policy agendas because they can bring new demands for services and resources, such as housing, education, and healthcare. This can put a strain on city budgets and lead to changes in policy priorities.

Question 10

The ________ refers to an official, hired by the mayor, who administers the day-to-day workings of the city staff in a strong mayor-council form of government.

Accepted Answer

In a strong mayor-council form of government, the chief administrative officer is often hired to manage the daily operations of the city, assisting the mayor in administrative tasks.

Question 11

________ is statistically associated with other problems such as poor health, infant mortality, stunted growth, low achievement and behavioral problems at school, and future unemployment as a young adult.

Accepted Answer

Child poverty has been statistically associated with various problems such as poor health, infant mortality, stunted growth, low achievement and behavioral problems at school, and future unemployment as a young adult. None of the other options have a direct statistical association with the mentioned problems.

Question 12

Which of the following is true of child poverty in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Child poverty occurs at a higher rate in cities than in suburban or nonmetropolitan areas, according to research studies and data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Options A, B, D, and E are incorrect, as child poverty is a significant problem throughout the United States, and poverty rates vary in different cities and regions.

Question 13

Which of the following is the main reason for the shrinking tax bases of cities?

Accepted Answer

Businesses moving out of the city is the main reason for the shrinking tax bases of cities. When businesses relocate, they take jobs and revenue with them, resulting in a decrease in the amount of taxes collected by the city. This can lead to a decrease in funding for public services, infrastructure maintenance, and other essential programs that are necessary for the well-being of a city's residents.

Question 14

Which of the following is true of the weak mayor-council form?

Accepted Answer

In the weak mayor-council form, the mayor's powers are limited, and therefore, the mayor must usually obtain the council's consent for major decisions. The council tends to have more power in this system.

Question 15

A geographical region of at least 50,000 people with high population density in its urbanized core and a high degree of social and economic integration between its outlying counties and the core is known as a(n) ________.

Accepted Answer

A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is defined as a geographical region with high population density in its urbanized core (at least 50,000 people) and a high degree of social and economic integration between the core and its outlying counties. MSAs are typically used by the U.S. Census Bureau and other organizations to analyze demographic and economic trends in urban areas. The other options (township, exurb, municipality, and annexe) do not fully encompass the criteria for an MSA.

Question 16

What is meant by a charter?

Accepted Answer

A charter is a city "constitution" that outlines the structure of city government, defines the authority of the various officials, and provides for their selection.

Question 17

What is meant by eminent domain?

Accepted Answer

Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, with just compensation provided to the owner. This power is granted by the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Question 18

Which of the following is true of a council-manager charter?

Accepted Answer

In a council-manager charter, the council makes the laws and approves the budget, while the city manager is responsible for implementing policy and managing the day-to-day operations of the city. The mayor may have some ceremonial duties, but does not typically have significant executive power. The council also plays a role in policy creation, often working with the city manager to develop and implement strategic plans for the city.

Question 19

What is meant by a mayor-council charter?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by a mayor-council charter?
...

Question 20

What is meant by the council-manager plan?

Accepted Answer

The council-manager plan is a form of local government in which the city council hires a professional administrator, called the city manager, to manage city affairs. The city manager works under the direction of the city council and is responsible for implementing policies, managing the city's budget, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of city government. This form of government is intended to provide professional management and avoid political interference in the administration of city services.

Quiz 8: Local Governments and Metropolitics