Chapter 11 of the textbook, ‘Texas Politics”, it is primarily about the purpose and structure of the local governments within the state of Texas. Texas has 254 counties, the most of any state. Each county is governed by a five-member Commissioners Court, which consists of a County Judge (elected at-large) and four Commissioners (elected from single-member precincts). The County Judge has no veto authority over the decisions of the Court, s/he has one vote along with the other Commissioners. In smaller counties, the County Judge also performs judicial functions, while in larger counties his/her role is limited to the Court. Elections are held on a partisan basis. Counties have no home rule authority; their authority is strictly limited by the …show more content…
County Governments- County governments are organized local governments authorized in state constitutions and statutes. Counties and county-equivalents form the first-tier administrative division of the states. All the states are divided into counties or county-equivalents for administrative purposes, although not all counties or county-equivalents have an organized county government. County government has been eliminated through Connecticut and Rhode Island, as well as in parts of Massachusetts. The Unorganized Borough in Alaska also does not operate under a county level government. Additionally, a number of independent cities and consolidated city-counties operate under municipal governments that serve the functions of both city and county., Town or Township Governments - Town or township governments are organized local governments authorized in the state constitutions and statutes of 20 Northeastern and Midwestern states,[1] established to provide general …show more content…
As such it is simultaneously a city, which is a municipal corporation, and a county, which is an administrative division of a state. It has the powers and responsibilities of both types of entities.
Rather than pinning the responsibility of all the tasks of the four types pf local government, it would be easier to keep the responsiblilities separated where each group can do their task at one-hundred percent rather than one person
The state bureaucracy administers/implements the laws of Texas. It is run by executives whose job is to see that the laws of the state are implemented according to the will and intent of the Legislature. Ideally, these executive branch officials or bureaucrats are to administer their duties and implement the laws in a neutral manner, uninfluenced by politics. In reality, state bureaucrats are important players in not just implementation, but also policy making. In Texas, there is no overall central governing or controlling authority. Government authority in Texas is very decentralized, and rests within many independent state agencies.
Texas political culture is one that can be described as a combination of three main ideas: individualistic, traditionalism and moralism. Considering Texas and its overwhelming 254 counties we can see these main ideas undoubtedly. The 254 counties each have their own general set of ideas, attitudes and beliefs. The whole state of Texas is simply not just considered individualistic, traditionalism, or moralism, it is considered all three. Individualistic, traditionalism and moralism are all strong values that coexist in our society and they all affect how we as the people live our lives. A political culture shapes a region’s politics.
Lastly we move to federal government this is one in which the powers of government is divided between a central government and several local governments. There is a authority superior to both the central and local governments which makes this division of powers on a geographic basis; That division cannot be changed by either the local or national level acting alone. Both levels of government act directly on the people through their own sets of laws, the officials, and agencies. In the United States, for example the National Government has certain powers and the 50 states have others. This division of powers is set out in the Constitution of the United States.
State, county, and local administration responsibilities are to serve specific demographic areas. These governments are municipal. Unlike the federal government, they don’t organize international concerns, they are focusing internally. Both the state and federal governments work hard to keep our homeland running safely and smoothly. The responsibilities that federal, state, and local governments have in common are structure and what is in the best interest of those who live in the United States (Shafritz, Russell, Borick, & Hyde, 2017, 104).
We follow regulations everyday of our lives. Whether it be making a complete stop at a stop sign, paying our taxes, or refraining ourselves from cutting off the tag of a mattress. It’s important to know what rules we and our elected officials are held accountable for. Being aware and knowing the difference between the United States and Texas Constitution allows citizens to be apprehensive of what is happening in our government. The topics on the amending and impeachment system and the Judicial and Executive Branch grant insight of the proceedings in our governments.
There are many different forms of local government, such as county councils, the metropolitan councils, and parish and district councils. Many of the roles and responsibilities they preform and deal with sometimes overlap, but they all mainly focus on the services and facilities needed in local areas across the country
Our government here in Texas has three major parts that play a significant part in our decision making process. These levels
The levels of government are Central, (which involve the Monarchy, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords), Regional, (which involve Devolved parliaments) and Local, (which involve Local authorities, country councils and Metropolitan councils). Each level contains a variety of different organisations and branches of government which help to keep the country and the public services running smoothly and effectively. All branches of the government
Our government here in Texas has three major parts that play a significant part in our decision making process. These levels
there is a question about a local government's power or authority, then the local government does
2. Dillion’s Rule in which most counties in America are still deeply reliant upon the state legislature to describe their meanings and cannot do anything that is not openly spelled out in state law. The rule states like this, local governments have only three types of powers; those granted in express words, those
County governments are considered local governments within the state. The board of commissioners is the head of a county. Each commissioner is elected by the town and is permitted for four years of service. So, why are county governments so important to me? County governments do so much for us every day; For example, they provide jobs, oversee health care services, and maintain roads.
Lower levels of government with limited power exist as political parties and with each new tier of government more power is granted. The King is monarch and announces laws however is not the only executive power. Municipalities are voluntary governments and are more limited then autonomous communities which are also by region. Autonomous Communities are recognized by historical origin and granted status by the Spanish Constitution. These communities have no legislative or executive power however can propose bills through the Congress of Deputies and also have High Courts of Justice for state level disputes. Municipalities are voluntary and not recognized by the Spanish Constitution. “There is a huge proportion of little towns, with a low number of inhabitants. Many municipalities have difficulties in proving essential public services that are obligatory according to law since they lack the necessary (economic, technical and human) resources to do so” (Wcd). This is a disadvantage because some regions have higher numbers of municipalities then others due to area size and population. Though these municipalities exist they are based on population and are the most limited of all forms of government aside from political parties. These municipalities have no executive, legislative or judicial power however can propose bills through the Congress of
There is autonomy in terms of political, fiscal and administrative power at each of the three layers of government in addition to exclusivity and ongoing abilities but with joint responsibilities.
Counties – (US Census n.d.) Organized local governments authorized in state constitutions and statutes, providing general government. 3031counties in 48 states utilize county governments (excludes CT. RI. and DC.) Louisiana uses the term “Parish” and Alaska uses the term “Borough”. Primary concerns for service delivery are inconsistent from county to county, as well as the size and number. Generally they have more mandates, less discretionary funds, and more are