Chapter 13 Section 1City Governments

Most common form of local government◦ Population has no basis for city classification

New York City, New York Population: 8, 143,197

Parker, Pennsylvania Population: 799

Cities are usually important centers of business, art and education◦ Residents live close together◦ Special problems in cities

High crime rate Drug abuse Homelessness

I. City

City ChartersMunicipality

Incorporate Plans A local government that provides service to its residents

A city is a MunicipalityA Charter

A document that grants power to local governmentHome Rule

Allows cities to write their own chartersChoose their own type of governmentManage their won affairsStill follow state laws

II. How Local Governments are Formed

A division of power ◦ This form is preferred by large cities

Executive powers Mayor

Legislative powers Council

The City Legislature◦ Council

Pass ordinances City laws

III. Mayor-Council Form

Strong – Mayor System◦ Most large cities operate under this system◦ The Mayor

Strong executive powers Veto ordinances Appoint officials Writes city budgets

Weak – Mayor System◦ The Mayor

Limited power

City Council◦ Legislative body◦ Appoints the manager

The Manger◦ Recommends a budget◦ Oversees city departments◦ Deals with personal matters◦ Reports to the council

IV. Council – Manager Government

Executive and Legislative◦ Separate departments◦ Each department handles a different set of

responsibilities Elected head of department

Other units of Government◦ Special Districts

These are set up to deal with a specific issue or provide a single service

Example One village may not be able to afford a fire department Many villages join together to form one fire department

School Districts The most common form of a special district

Riverside Moosic and Taylor

V. The Commissioner Form