Federalism and Local Government

Flashcards from Lecture Notes Chapter 3: Federalism and Local Government

Federalism

A way of organizing a country so that two or more levels of government have formal authority over the same area and people

Sovereignty

Having supreme authority over territory and population

Dual federalism

Model of intergovernmental relations that maintains that the national and state governments have distinct and separate governmental functions

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

The landmark decision by the Supreme Court that asserted national supremacy over state authority

Full faith and credit clause

Requires the states to recognize legislative acts, public records, and judicial decisions of other states

Extradition clause

States that if you commit a crime in one state and move to another before going to court, the state must return you to the previous state if properly requested

Privileges and immunity clause

Prevents states from discriminating against out-of-state citizens and protects the fundamental rights of individuals

Cooperative federalism

A model of intergovernmental relations that recognizes the overlapping functions of the national and state governments

Devolution

A policy of the national government that sees it surrender some of its power and responsibilities to a lower level of government, such as state or local authorities

Vertical policy diffusion

When a policy is adopted at one level of government and is transferred to another level of government, such as when the federal government forces states to adopt a new policy

Horizontal policy diffusion

When a policy is adopted at one level of government and is transferred to an equal level of government, such as when Texas adopts a policy that was first adopted in California

Preemption

A federal policy that explicitly prevents a state or local government from adopting their own policies in a selected policy area

Mandate

A federal policy that requires states and local governments to adopt certain policies or actions

Net federal funding per capita

The amount a state receives in federal dollars per resident minus the amount that residents and organizations paid to the federal government in the form of taxes

Categorical grants

Federal grants for a very specific narrow purpose

Block grants

Federal grants for a program in a broad, general policy area

Formula grants

Federal funding based on a formula established by Congress

Project grants

Grants that require states and local governments to compete for available federal funds

Entitlement Programs

Government programs providing benefits to all persons qualified to receive them under law

General law city

Towns with fewer than 5,000 people whose government structures and powers are limited to those specifically allocated by state law

Home rule city

Municipalities with population greater than 5,000 who can take any actions as long as they are not specifically prohibited by state or federal law

Annexation

The legal ability of a home rule city to annex (or add) unincorporated areas just outside of the city limits

Population bracket laws

State laws designed to target particular cities based on their population

Mayor-council

A form of municipal government where an elected mayor serves as chief executive of the city and the council serves as the legislative body

Strong mayor-council

A model of municipal government where the mayor prepares the budget, appoints department heads, prepares the council agenda, supervises city departments, and may even have veto power over council actions

Weak mayor-council

A model of municipal government where the mayor shares all power with the city council and can take no actions on their own, including preparing a budget

Council manager

A model of municipal government where the city manager takes on many of the responsibilities of the mayor, including appointing department heads, preparing a budget, and supervising the city agencies

Pure at-Large

All candidates appear on the same ballot and voters have the same number of votes as there are positions.

At-Large by Place

Similar to pure at-large, but candidates run for a distinct position on the council.

Single Member District

The city is divided up into individual voting districts. Candidates run to represent their district of residence and only voters residing in the district may vote.

Combination Single Member District and at-Large

Some council members elected from home districts and others elected from at-large or at-large by place districts

Cumulative Voting

Allows voters to cast as many votes as there are seats and all votes for one candidate.

Commissioner’s court

The main rule-making body of a county in Texas

County judge

Presiding officer of the county Commissioner’s Court. In larger counties responsibilities resemble that of the mayor

Municipal utility districts (MUDs)

Legally authorized by the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality to provide water and waste services to unincorporated areas. MUDs also create fire stations, parks, pools, and other recreational areas.