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Advantages And Disadvantages Of General Law Cities

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of General Law Cities
In the state of Texas, there are two recognized types of cities: general- law or home-rule cities. A general- law city is an intertwined community with a population of 5,000 persons or fewer and is limited in its legislation process, while a home-rule city is a city in which a population of over 5,000 votes to make it a home-rule city. Only a home-rule city, and not a general-law city, may establish a city charter along with the organization and structure of its local government, as long as legislation does not break national laws. On the other hand, general-law cities must follow national and state constitutions and laws. Even though a general-law cities has severe limitation in regards to the legislation process, both general and home-rule …show more content…
To begin with, home-rule cities must follow state provisions, ordinances, and limitations on their authority. For example, every city has to pay compensation for those unemployed. Additionally, home-rule cities must always follow the Texas Constitution or laws. Voters in a home-rule city are always free to amend city charters, but the Texas Constitution only allows them the ability to do that on specific dates- only every two years. Furthermore, when a state law opposes or conflicts with any law brought up by a charter provision, the state law must be followed. On the other hand, there are numerous benefits to a home-rule city. The ability to form a city charter in a home-rule city allows citizens to not only decide their type of municipal government (strong mayor, weak mayor, etc.), but also allows them to choose the method the mayor is chosen- by the voters, the council, or any other method. Furthermore, citizens in a home-rule city are allowed to amend the city charter itself. With a petition that has acquired a certain number of signatures, citizens have the ability to vote on an amendment on the city

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