1. Local Governments in Texas
Chapter 6
Local Governments in Texas

2. Describe local political systems in Texas.
Upon completing this chapter, you will be able to…
Describe local political systems in Texas.

3. Austin City Hall

4. Federalism Revisited Lack of centralization in the United States
Different functions at different levels of government
Local governments

6. Creatures of the State Legal limits that constrain local governments
Categorizing local governments
Texas examples
Key term:
creatures of the state

7. General Law Cities and Home Rule
Incorporation: The Process of Creating a City
Annexation
Key terms:
general law city
home rule city
incorporation
extra-territorial jurisdiction

8. Types of City Government
Council-Manager Government
Role of the Mayor
Role of the City Manager
Weaknesses of the Council-Manager Form
Key terms:
council-manager form
city manager

11. Types of City Government
Mayor-Council Government
Key terms:
weak mayor form
strong mayor form

15. Communicating Effectively…
CORE OBJECTIVE
Communicating Effectively…
Compare Figures 6.1, 6.3, and 6.4 with Table Discuss the fundamental differences among the weak mayor, strong mayor, and council-manager forms of government. Which do you prefer and why?

16. Types of City Government
Commission Form of Government
Weaknesses of the Commission Form of Government
Impact on the Evolution of Local Government
Key term:
commission form

18. Municipal Election Types
At-Large Election Systems
Single-Member District Election Systems
Cumulative and Preferential Voting Systems
Key terms:
at-large election system
single-member district
cumulative voting
preferential voting

20. Nonpartisan Elections
Municipal elections in Texas
“Nonpartisan organizations”
Tea Party
Key term:
nonpartisan elections

21. Voter Turnout in Local Elections
Reasons for low turnout in Texas
Problem with lack of interest

22. County Governments Oldest type of local government in U.S.
“Parishes” and “boroughs”
Arm of the state
Local services
Key term:
county government

24. County Governments The Structure of County Government
The County Commissioner’s Court
The County Sheriff
The County and District Attorneys
The County Tax Assessor/Collector
The County and District Clerk
The County Treasurer
The County Auditor
Key terms:
commissioner‘s court
county sheriff

27. Weaknesses of County Governments in Texas
Inability to Provide Urban Services
Lack of Ordinance Authority
Inequity of Financial Resources

28. Possible Reform of County Government
Texans’ resistance to change
County home rule
Texas Association of Counties (TAC)
Provincial attitudes

29. Special District Governments
Special purpose districts
Selection of governing boards
Taxation authority
School Districts
Independent school districts
Key terms:
special purpose district
independent school district (ISD)