Local Governments and Their Importance

These flashcards cover key concepts related to local governments, their structures, and significant terms from the lecture on local governance.

Local Governments

Political entities responsible for providing services and governance at a community level.

Home Rule

The power granted to some local governments that allows them to self-govern and create their own laws, as long as they don't conflict with state laws.

Dylan's Rule

A legal doctrine stating that local governments can only exercise powers explicitly granted by the state.

General Law Cities

Cities created under state law with specific limitations and structures dictated by the legislature.

Municipalities

Political units that can include cities, towns, and townships formed to provide services to local citizens.

Annexation

The process by which a city expands its boundaries to include additional land or areas.

County Judge

The elected head of the county government responsible for overseeing the county commissioner's court.

Counties

Administrative divisions of a state that provide a range of local services, often created by the state government.

Special Purpose Districts

Units of local government created for a specific purpose, such as education or public safety, which operate independently.

Veterans Day

A holiday observed on November 11th in the United States to honor military veterans; it originated as Armistice Day.