Answer: B. General purpose governments have authority to act on many issues.
Explanation: General purpose governments, such as state or municipal governments, have a broad range of responsibilities and powers. They are responsible for providing a wide range of public services, including education, public safety, transportation, and infrastructure development. They have the authority to make decisions and take action on various issues that affect the entire community or jurisdiction they serve.
On the other hand, special purpose governments are created to address specific areas or functions within a community. Examples of special purpose governments include school districts, water districts, or transit authorities. These entities are formed to focus on specific needs or services, such as providing education, managing water resources, or operating public transportation systems. They have limited authority that is specifically defined by their purpose and function.
To illustrate this difference, let's consider an example. A general purpose government, such as a city government, has the authority to enact laws and regulations that impact the entire community, such as zoning ordinances or tax policies. They have the power to allocate resources to various departments and agencies, oversee public services, and make decisions that affect the overall well-being of the community.
In contrast, a special purpose government, such as a school district, has a specific mandate to provide education services within a defined area. They have the authority to establish curriculum, hire teachers, and manage school facilities. However, their authority is limited to matters related to education and does not extend to other areas outside their defined function.