Which city type typically requires a population threshold and citizen vote to adopt a home rule charter?

• A. General Law
• B. Home Rule
• C. Charter City
• D. Annexation

Answer: (B)

Gaining the ability to govern itself with its own rules happens when a city becomes a home-rule city. In Texas, that typically requires the city to reach a population threshold (about 5,000 residents) and for voters to approve a home-rule charter in an election. Once adopted, the charter gives the city broader local powers beyond what state law provides. General-law cities remain under state law and don’t adopt home-rule charters. A charter city is the end status after adopting a charter, but the step described—meeting the population threshold and obtaining voter approval—defines the process to become a home-rule city. Annexation deals with absorbing nearby areas and isn’t about adopting a charter.