TX GOV (County Officials)

I used ChatGPT to make the flashcards. (I gave it the pdf, so it shouldn't just be random.)

County Judge
Q: What are the main duties of the County Judge in Texas?

A: Presides over Commissioners Court, judge of County Civil, Criminal, Probate & Juvenile Courts, oversees disaster relief & welfare, prepares county budget (in smaller counties), calls elections, issues certain permits, may perform marriages.

County Commissioners
Q: What are the duties of a County Commissioner?

A: Member of Commissioners Court (policy-making body); responsible for county roads/bridges in their precinct; helps adopt budget, set tax rates, fill vacancies, oversee county buildings, welfare, parks, libraries.

County Clerk
Q: What are the duties of the County Clerk?

A: Clerk for Commissioners & County Courts; maintains official county records (deeds, mortgages, liens, maps, births, deaths, marriage licenses); records court proceedings; assists in jury selection; conducts elections in many counties.

District Clerk
Q: What are the duties of the District Clerk?

A: Maintains records for District Courts (criminal, civil, juvenile, domestic cases); swears in juries; records verdicts; collects filing fees; issues writs & warrants; manages child support payments; accepts passport applications in some counties.

Justice of the Peace
Q: What are the duties of the Justice of the Peace?

A: Presides over JP Court (criminal fines, civil cases up to $5,000, small claims); issues warrants; conducts investigations; performs marriages; may serve as coroner (if no medical examiner); no law degree required in Texas.

Constable
Q: What are the duties of a Constable?

A: Executive officer of JP Courts; serves papers, subpoenas, warrants; acts as bailiff; enforces judgments; may conduct patrols & investigations; assists County/District Courts in larger counties.

Sheriff
Q: What are the duties of the Sheriff?

A: Chief law enforcement officer; jurisdiction over entire county; arrests offenders; maintains county jail & prisoners; serves court writs, subpoenas, jury summons; appoints deputies; in small counties may also act as Tax Assessor-Collector.

County Treasurer
Q: What are the duties of the County Treasurer?

A: Custodian of county funds; receives, keeps, disburses money; reconciles bank accounts; manages employee benefits deductions; may act as treasurer for levee districts; manages revenue bond funds.

County Auditor (statutory office in some counties)
Q: What are the duties of the County Auditor?

A: Oversees financial records & accounts; ensures compliance with state law; often prepares budget with County Judge in smaller counties.

Tax Assessor-Collector
Q: What are the duties of the Tax Assessor-Collector?

A: Assesses & collects property taxes; issues motor vehicle titles/plates; manages voter registration; compiles election poll lists; may serve as chief appraiser in some counties.

County/District Attorney
Q: What are the duties of the County/District Attorney?

A: Must be licensed attorney; serves as legal advisor to county officials; represents state in criminal cases in County & JP Courts; works with law enforcement to prepare cases for trial.

Q: What are the two main functions of county government in Texas?

A: (1) Carry out state administrative & judicial responsibilities, (2) Provide local government services to county residents.

Q: Who makes up the Commissioners Court?

A: 4 County Commissioners (elected by precinct) + 1 County Judge (elected countywide).

Q: Who creates and controls Texas counties?

A: The Texas Legislature, subject only to the state constitution and courts.

Q: Do all counties in Texas have the same government structure?

A: Yes — the structure is uniform, though large counties may have additional statutory offices.

Q: Is the Commissioners Court an actual court?

A: No — it is the county’s administrative and governing body.

Q: What constitutes a quorum for the Commissioners Court?

A: Any 3 members (except levying county taxes requires 4).

Q: How often must the Commissioners Court meet?

A: At least once per month (or once every 3 months if little business).

Q: How long are the terms for constitutional county officials?

A: 4 years.

Q: In very small counties (<10,000 people), what unusual situation may exist with the Sheriff?

A: The Sheriff may also serve as Tax Assessor-Collector if voters haven’t separated the offices.

Q: Does a Justice of the Peace have to be a lawyer?

A: No.

Q: What unique duty can a Justice of the Peace perform if there is no medical examiner?

A: Serve as coroner.

Q: Who is the chief custodian of county finances?

A: County Treasurer.

Q: Who is the chief law enforcement officer in the county?

A: Sheriff.

Q: Who maintains county property records, deeds, and marriage licenses?

A: County Clerk.

Q: Who maintains District Court records and swears in juries?

A: District Clerk.

Q: Who issues motor vehicle titles, license plates, and voter registrations?

A: Tax Assessor-Collector.

Q: What Article of the Texas Constitution establishes the County Judge and County Court?

A: Article V, Sections 15–18.

Q: What are some administrative powers of the County Judge outside the Commissioners Court?

A: Calling elections, issuing beer/wine licenses, admitting people to state hospitals, juvenile work permits, temporary guardianships, marriages.

Q: Who are the first link in the county’s law enforcement chain?

A: Constables.