Texas A&M University (TAMU) POLS207 State and Local Government Exam 1 Practice Exam

Dillon's Rule is a legal principle that articulates the relationship between the state and local governments, asserting that local governments are merely creatures of the state. According to this rule, local governments possess only those powers explicitly granted to them by state law or constitution. Hence, the state retains ultimate authority over local governments, meaning they can create, modify, or abolish local entities as they see fit. This centralized power ensures that local governments operate under the oversight of the state, reflecting the hierarchical structure of governmental authority in the United States.

Understanding Dillon's Rule is essential for comprehending the limits placed on local autonomy and how state law governs local actions and capabilities, including law-making and taxation. This framework is foundational in shaping the roles of state and local governments, which is crucial for students of state and local government, particularly in contexts like Texas, where local governance can vary significantly depending on state statutes.