State and Local Government Flashcards
7 cards from real Civic Literacy Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 State and Local Government flashcards as text
Which state is unique among the 50 states in having a unicameral (single-chamber) state legislature?
Answer: Nebraska
Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a unicameral legislature, called the Unicameral, which has operated with a single chamber since 1937.
What does 'home rule' mean for a city or county?
Answer: A city that has authority to govern itself in local matters without requiring state legislative approval
Home rule grants cities and counties the power to enact local legislation and govern themselves in local affairs without needing specific permission from the state legislature for each action.
What is a special district government?
Answer: A single-purpose government unit created to deliver one specific service such as water, fire protection, or schools
Special districts are independent government units established to provide a single service (like school districts, water districts, or fire districts) within a defined geographic area.
In a council-manager form of local government, what is the role of the city manager?
Answer: To handle the day-to-day administration of city services as a professional administrator hired by the council
In a council-manager government, the elected council sets policy while a professionally trained city manager handles daily administration, bringing business-like efficiency to city operations.
What does Dillon's Rule establish regarding local governments?
Answer: Local governments possess only the powers explicitly granted to them by the state legislature
Dillon's Rule, named after Judge John Dillon, holds that local governments are 'creatures of the state' and can exercise only powers explicitly granted by state law, narrowly construed.
Which official is typically elected to serve as the chief executive of a U.S. state?
Answer: Governor
The governor is the chief executive officer of a state, responsible for implementing state laws, managing state agencies, and often having veto power over the state legislature.
What is the primary function of a city charter?
Answer: It establishes the structure, powers, and procedures of a city government
A city charter is the founding legal document of a municipality that defines its governmental structure, the powers of its officials, and the rights of its residents.