Understanding Local Government and Urban Development

1. Reviewing Key Terms Write the term that best completes each sentence. county real propertymunicipality infrastructurespecial district revitalizationzoning gentrificationmarket value metropolitan government • 1. Basic facilities such as streets, water lines, and public buildings make up what is known as the _______________________ of a city. • 2. The government does not tax property on the _______________________, or the amount of money the owner may expect to receive if the property is sold. • 3. To promote economic growth, local governments have tried _______________________ through large investments in new facilities. • infrastructure • market value • revitalization Chapter Assessment 2

2. Reviewing Key Terms Write the term that best completes each sentence. county real propertymunicipality infrastructurespecial district revitalizationzoning gentrificationmarket value metropolitan government • 4. In the South and in rural areas ___________________ government is important. • 5. Local governments may use _______________________ to control growth. • 6. Local governments rely on _______________________ taxes as a main source of revenue. • 7. Some people feel that the best way to address urban problems is reorganization using _______________________ that serves a large region. • county • zoning • real property • metropolitan government Chapter Assessment 3

3. Reviewing Key Terms Write the term that best completes each sentence. county real propertymunicipality infrastructurespecial district revitalizationzoning gentrificationmarket value metropolitan government • 8. Originally, a charter for a _______________________ was much like one that states granted to corporations. • 9. A public school district is a _______________________ established by local government. • 10. Sometimes called “displacement,” _______________________ has often changed the character of an urban area. • municipality • special district • gentrification Chapter Assessment 4

4. Recalling Facts • 1. What document specifies the powers and duties of local government? • The state constitution specifies the powers and duties of local government. • 2. What are the three main forms of municipal government? • The three main forms of municipal government are mayor-council form, commission form, and council-manager form. Chapter Assessment 5

5. Recalling Facts • 3. What is the single largest public service provided by local tax revenues? • The single largest public service provided by local tax revenues is public education. • 4. What is the biggest government expenditure for many large American cities? • The biggest government expenditure for many large American cities is social services. Chapter Assessment 6

6. Recalling Facts • 5. Describe four kinds of population shifts in metropolitan areas since 1950. • Cities and suburbs in the South and West grew rapidly, cities in the Northeast and Midwest lost population, the population of small towns and rural areas increased, and people moved from inner cities to suburbs. Chapter Assessment 7

7. Understanding Concepts • 1. FederalismWhat is the relationship between a state and a municipality within that state? • The state creates the municipality by granting it a charter to govern. Chapter Assessment 8

8. Understanding Concepts • 2. Political ProcessesWhy did some state supreme courts rule against using the property tax to pay for local schools? • Some state supreme courts ruled that using the property tax to support local schools was a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection of the law. For example, a wealthy community with a large tax base can afford better public services than a less wealthy community with a small tax base. The court held that the practice discriminated against students in poor communities. Chapter Assessment 9

9. Critical Thinking • 1. Making ComparisonsUse a Venn diagram like the one below to compare a local government’s charter to a state constitution. • Local charter: provides structure and rules for local government. State constitution: provides structure and rules for state government. Both: established by state officials. Chapter Assessment 10

10. Critical Thinking • 2. Identifying Central IssuesIn your view, which of the federal government’s goals in dealing with the illegal drug problem is the most important? Why? • Answers will vary. Some students will support prevention, others treatment, and still others controlling the supply. Chapter Assessment 11

11. Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity • 1.Whom do the two figures represent? • Uncle Sam (the United States federal government) and United States cities Chapter Assessment 12

12. Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity • 2.What statement is the cartoonist making about the state of cities? • Cities are experiencing difficulties because of a lack of funding and unfunded mandates handed down from the federal government; cities are disabled and need federal attention. Chapter Assessment 13

13. Interpreting Political Cartoons Activity • 3.According to the cartoonist, what can the government do to help cities? • The government can send more funds to cities and take a bigger role in solving urban problems. Chapter Assessment 14

14. By population, what are the five largest cities in the United States? • According to both the 1990 and 2000 census, they are, in decreasing order: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia. Chapter Assessment 15