Forms of City Governments

Starter

List 3 similarities between the NC branches of government and the US braches of governments. List 3 differences between the two.

Mayor-Council Form

Most common form. Power divided between city legislative and executive branches.

Voters elect mayor and council members. Mayor-chief executive council-legislature.

Power of mayor differs from city to city. A strong mayor system allows the mayor to propose legislation, prepare budget, and appoint heads of city departments.

A weak mayor system allows the mayor to lead city council meeting and vote to break a tie, but the council holds most of the power.

Council-Manager Form

1st used as a way to form corrupt or inefficient mayor council governments.

City council is elected by people and acts as the legislative body and hires and appoints a manager.

The manager recommends a budget, oversees departments, and reports to the council.

Some cities also elect a mayor.

Commission Form

Few cities still use this form. Commissioners are elected. Each heads a

major department (Fire, Police, health, Finance, public works) and they perform executive duties for their department.

They also meet together as a commission with legislative power to make policy and pass ordinances.

Usually one commissioner is picked to act as mayor who presides over meetings.