Texas Government
- What is the difference between a home rule and a general law city? How do these forms tie to Dillon’s and Fordham’s rule? (10 points)
- Local elections in Texas can be a combination of Single Member District (SMD), at-large, place or cumulative voting. What are the differences between these? Which form does your hometown use? (10 points)
- What are the primary sources of city and county revenue? How does reliance on these sources impact annexation decisions? How do the revenue sources impact the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) activities of a city? (10 points)
Sample Answer
Navigating the Maze of Texas Municipal Governance: Home Rule vs. General Law Cities
In the intricate landscape of Texas municipal governance, two distinct forms of city government stand out: home rule and general law cities. Understanding the nuances between these two systems is crucial for comprehending the distribution of power and decision-making authority within Texas municipalities.