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school district

Provides public education, sanitation within limited geographical area

dedicated fund

Dedicated to mandatory spending on programs like health care

progressive taxation

Higher tax burden on people with higher incomes

matching funds

Federal money going to state

Robin Hood policy (as it pertains to Texas)

Wealthy districts transfer fund to poorer districts to equalize

Why are Texas counties so important?

Vast with huge areas sparsely populated

In Texas, what is the name of the officer who presides over the country commissioners' court?

County judge

List 3 functions of county government

1. Road and bridge
2. Enforce laws
3. Dispute resolution

Who serves legal papers at the precinct level of a county?


Who is the chief law enforcement officer in the county government?


Who prepares the budget in large texas counties?

County auditor

What is the most important social service provided by counties?

Emergency welfare assistance

What is the main difference between a home rule city and a general law city?

General law cities/localities for areas less than 5,000

Where is the mayor-council form of government most common?

Smaller general law cities

What is an at-large election?

Officials selected by voters of entire geographical are, rather than from smaller districts within area

What is the chief financial officer for a city called?

City comptroller

What is the most rapidly proliferating form of local government in Texas?

Special districts

What is the main difference between a special district and a county?

Special-single service

Why is flood control managed through special districts?

Multi county flood problems

How are most special districts in Texas administered?

Boards elected by voters

What are the main sources of revenue for special districts in Texas?

1. Property taxes
2. User fee
3. Hidden government

What form of taxation is NOT used in Texas?


Who is responsible for the collection of taxes and other state revenues?

Comptroller of public accounts

What type of budget does the Texas legislature write?

Biannual/2 years

Why do Texas budgets not run into debt?

Pay as you go balanced budget

What limits does the Texas constitution place on welfare spending?

No more than 1% of state budget

What are the two most important agencies or offices responsible for preparing the Texas state budget?

1) house appropriations committee
2) senate finance committee

What is the greatest source of revenue for Texas?


List one common criticism of TAKS testing

Too much teaching to the test

What is the most costly state service in Texas?


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