What is a mayor-council government?

A mayor-council government is a system of local government where a mayor, directly elected by the voters, serves as the chief executive. Simultaneously, a separately elected city council functions as the legislative body. This structure is a fundamental aspect of local governance.

How prevalent is the mayor-council government system in the United States?

The mayor-council government is one of the two most common forms of local government found in the United States. It is particularly favored for large cities.

How does the adoption of mayor-council government compare between large and smaller municipalities in the US?

While the mayor-council system is most frequently adopted in large cities in the United States, the council-manager government is the form used by a greater number of municipalities overall. This suggests a preference for different structures based on city size.

What are the primary variations of the mayor-council government system?

The mayor-council government system can be categorized into two main variations based on the distribution of power between the mayor and the council: the strong-mayor variant and the weak-mayor variant. These variations dictate the extent of the mayor's administrative authority and influence.

What are the key characteristics of a strong-mayor system?

In a typical strong-mayor system, the directly elected mayor possesses significant administrative authority. This includes the power to appoint and dismiss department heads, though council ratification might be required by law or charter. The mayor's administrative staff often prepares the city budget, which then requires council approval. Additionally, the mayor may hold veto power over council votes, which the council can override.

What defines a weak-mayor system?

In a weak-mayor system, the mayor's formal authority is limited, with no power outside of the council itself. The mayor typically serves a largely ceremonial role, often acting as the chairperson of the council. Unlike in a strong-mayor system, the mayor cannot directly appoint or remove officials and lacks veto power over council decisions.

How does mayoral power manifest in a strong-mayor system regarding budget and legislation?

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor's administrative staff usually prepares the city budget, which must then be approved by the council. The mayor may also possess veto rights over council votes, although the council retains the ability to override such vetoes.

What is the mayor's role in a weak-mayor system concerning official appointments and legislation?

In a weak-mayor system, the mayor has no formal authority to appoint or remove officials and also lacks veto power over council votes. Their role is primarily ceremonial and often limited to presiding over council meetings.

Where is the strong-mayor form of the mayor-council system most commonly used in North America?

The strong-mayor form of the mayor-council system is most commonly utilized by major cities in North America. This indicates a preference for strong executive leadership in larger urban centers.

What form of local government is more common in middle-sized and small North American cities?

Middle-sized and small North American cities tend to adopt the council-manager government system, rather than the strong-mayor variant of the mayor-council system. This suggests a different approach to local governance in smaller municipalities.

Is the mayor-council government system used outside of North America?

Yes, the mayor-council government system, or variations thereof, is also commonly in place in Asian countries.

How is the mayor-council system implemented in Canada?

Canada employs a mayor-council system that exhibits variations across its provinces and municipalities. This system maintains its legitimacy through public vote.

What form of mayor-council government is used in Germany?

In Germany, the mayor-council form of government is used, and it closely resembles a strong-mayor variant. This implies a significant role for the directly elected mayor.

Which mayor-council model does Italy utilize?

Italy employs the strong-mayor model system for its local governance. This means mayors in Italy hold substantial executive power.

Describe the mayor-council system in Japan.

In Japan, mayors are directly elected and hold considerable power. The system includes a directly elected council (assembly) that acts as a check and balance. It operates under central government oversight according to the Local Autonomy Act. While similar to a strong mayor-council system, the mayor has veto powers, and there are also parliamentary aspects.

What checks and balances exist within the Japanese mayor-council system?

The Japanese mayor-council system features a directly elected council (assembly) that provides a check and balance on the mayor's power. Additionally, the assembly can issue a vote of no confidence against the mayor.

What are the consequences of a vote of no confidence in the Japanese system?

If the assembly passes a vote of no confidence, the mayor is required to dissolve the assembly, leading to a new election for the assembly. If a second vote of no confidence is passed, the mayor is removed from office.

What is the Local Autonomy Act (UAL) in Japan?

The Local Autonomy Act (UAL) is the legislation in Japan that governs the operations of local government, including aspects of the mayor-council system. It provides the framework under which local executive and legislative bodies function.

How does Taiwan's local government structure compare to Japan's regarding the mayor-council system?

Taiwan's administrative divisions share similarities with Japan's system. It features six special municipalities, three cities, and 13 counties, each operating under a mayor or Magistrate-council form of government.

What types of administrative divisions exist in Taiwan's local government structure?

Taiwan's administrative divisions include six special municipalities, three cities, and 13 counties. Each of these levels of government utilizes a mayor or Magistrate-council form.

Who are the chief executives in Taiwan's counties?

In Taiwan, the chief executives over counties are known as Magistrates. They operate within a Magistrate-council form of government.

What is the role of mayors in Malaysia's local governments?

In Malaysia, mayors are appointed or elected in most local governments, playing a key role in municipal administration.

What is the purpose of the sidebar in the article?

The sidebar provides a navigational overview of related topics within the field of politics. It categorizes common forms of local government, such as mayor-council, council-manager, city commission, and town meeting systems, and links to the Politics portal.

What does the sidebar indicate about the mayor-council government's place within the broader field of politics?

The sidebar indicates that the mayor-council government is part of a larger series on Politics, highlighting its significance within the study of political structures and governance.

What other forms of local government are mentioned in the sidebar as having separate executive and legislative branches?

Besides the mayor-council system, the council-manager government is also mentioned in the sidebar as a form where the executive and legislature are separate.

What is the city commission government, as listed in the sidebar?

The city commission government is a form of local government where the executive and legislative powers are fused, as indicated by the sidebar. This contrasts with systems that separate these powers.

What are the directly democratic forms of local government listed in the sidebar?

The sidebar lists the town meeting and the representative town meeting as forms of local government that incorporate direct democratic principles.

What is the significance of the "Politics portal" link in the sidebar?

The "Politics portal" link in the sidebar serves as a gateway to a broader collection of information and resources related to the field of politics, allowing users to explore related topics.

What does the citation needed tag next to the statement about US local government prevalence imply?

The citation needed tag indicates that the claim regarding the prevalence of mayor-council versus council-manager government in the US, and its adoption by large cities, requires supporting evidence from reliable sources. This is a standard practice in encyclopedic writing to ensure factual accuracy and verifiability.

What specific academic journal published research comparing the efficiency of city manager and mayor-council forms of government?

The academic journal *Southern Economic Journal* published research by Kathy Hayes and Semoon Chang in July 1990 that compared the relative efficiency of city manager and mayor-council forms of government.

What is the ISBN for the 9th edition of State and Local Government: Politics and Public Policies by Saffell and Basehart?

The ISBN for the 9th edition of *State and Local Government: Politics and Public Policies* by Saffell and Basehart is 978-0-07-352632-4. This book is cited as a source for information on weak-mayor systems.

What is the title and publisher of the book cited regarding government in America, which mentions mayor-council systems?

The book cited is *Government in America*, published by Pearson Education, authored by George C. Edwards III, Robert L. Lineberry, and Martin P. Wattenberg. It is referenced in relation to the use of mayor-council systems.

Which World Bank publication discusses decentralization and local democracy globally and mentions mayor-council systems in Asia?

The World Bank publication titled *Decentralization and Local Democracy in the World: First Global Report by United Cities and Local Governments 2008* discusses these topics and mentions the prevalence of mayor-council systems in Asia. Its ISBN is 978-0-8213-7735-2.

What is the source for information on Japan's local autonomy and governance structure?

Information on Japan's local autonomy and governance structure, including its mayor-council system, is sourced from an article by Seth B. Benjamin and Jason Grant published by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) on March 29, 2022.

What is the subject of Colin Copus's book cited in the article?

Colin Copus's book, *Leading the Localities: Executive Mayors in English Local Governance*, published in 2006, discusses executive mayors and provides context relevant to mayor-council systems, with a specific chapter referenced about lessons from overseas.

What official Taiwanese government source provides information on Taiwan's administrative divisions and local government forms?

The Office of the President of Taiwan provides information on Taiwan's government organizations, including its administrative divisions and the mayor or Magistrate-council form of government used in its counties and municipalities.

What are the "See also" links suggesting related topics to mayor-council government?

The "See also" section suggests related topics such as city commission government, town meeting, and the *Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act*. These links point to other forms of local governance and potentially related legislation.

What is the primary function of the mayor in a mayor-council government?

The primary function of the mayor in a mayor-council government is to serve as the chief executive of the local government entity. This role involves leading the administrative functions of the municipality.

What is the primary function of the city council in a mayor-council government?

The primary function of the city council in a mayor-council government is to act as the legislative body. This means they are responsible for creating and passing local laws and ordinances.

How does the strong-mayor system differ from the weak-mayor system in terms of the mayor's administrative authority?

The strong-mayor system grants the mayor almost total administrative authority, including the power to appoint and dismiss department heads. In contrast, the weak-mayor system limits the mayor's formal authority outside the council, with no power to directly appoint or remove officials.

What is the relationship between the mayor's veto power and the city council's override capability in a strong-mayor system?

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor may possess veto rights over council votes. However, the city council typically has the power to override such vetoes, providing a check on the mayor's executive power.

How does the mayor's role in Japan's local government system compare to a typical US strong-mayor system?

While the mayor in Japan is directly elected and holds significant power, similar to a US strong-mayor system, Japan's system also incorporates aspects of parliamentary government and allows the assembly to issue a vote of no confidence, which can lead to the mayor's removal if repeated. The mayor also possesses veto powers.

What is the significance of the reference to the *Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act*?

The inclusion of the *Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act* in the "See also" section suggests a potential legislative or policy connection to the concept of strong mayoral powers, possibly indicating a contemporary discussion or initiative related to mayoral authority.

What is the function of the "See also" section in Wikipedia articles?

The "See also" section in Wikipedia articles provides a list of links to other related articles that might be of interest to the reader. It helps users navigate and explore interconnected topics within the encyclopedia.

What is the purpose of the references section in the article?

The references section provides the sources and citations for the information presented in the article. This allows readers to verify the facts, explore the topic in greater depth, and understand the basis of the claims made.

What does the term fusion of powers refer to in the context of local government forms?

The term fusion of powers in local government refers to systems where the executive and legislative branches are combined or integrated, rather than being distinctly separate. The sidebar lists city commission government as an example of this.

What does the term separation of powers refer to in the context of local government forms?

The term separation of powers in local government refers to systems where the executive and legislative branches are distinct and independent entities. The sidebar lists mayor-council and council-manager governments as examples of this separation.

How is the mayor elected in a weak-mayor system?

In a weak-mayor system, the mayor is directly elected by the citizens of the city.

What is the relationship between the mayor and the council in a weak-mayor system?

In a weak-mayor system, the mayor has no formal authority outside of the council and primarily serves a ceremonial role, often as council chairperson. The mayor is essentially a member of the council with limited independent power.

What is the typical administrative authority granted to a mayor in a strong-mayor system?

In a strong-mayor system, the elected mayor is typically granted almost total administrative authority, including the power to appoint and dismiss department heads, though council ratification may be required.

What role does the mayor's staff play in budget preparation in a strong-mayor system?

In a strong-mayor system, the mayor's administrative staff often takes the lead in preparing the city budget, which must subsequently be approved by the city council.

Mayor U2013council Government Wiki: Civic Architecture: The Mayor-Council Framework

What is Mayor-Council Government?

Executive and Legislative Roles

A mayor–council government is a system of local governance where a directly elected mayor serves as the chief executive, while a separately elected city council functions as the legislative body. This structure establishes a clear separation between the executive and legislative branches at the municipal level.

Prevalence in the United States

This model is one of the two most prevalent forms of local government in the United States. It is frequently adopted by larger cities, although the council-manager system governs a greater number of municipalities overall. Its structure allows for direct accountability of the executive to the electorate.

Foundational Principle

The core principle is the direct election of both the chief executive (mayor) and the legislative body (council) by the citizens. This ensures democratic representation and provides distinct functions for governance and administration within a municipality.

Variations and Mayoral Power

Strong-Mayor System

In a typical strong-mayor system, the elected mayor possesses significant administrative authority. This includes the power to appoint and dismiss department heads, although some city charters or state laws may mandate council ratification for these appointments. The mayor's administrative staff often prepares the city budget, which requires subsequent approval by the council. Furthermore, the mayor may hold veto power over council decisions, which the council can override.

Weak-Mayor System

Conversely, the weak-mayor system assigns the mayor a largely ceremonial role. The mayor has no formal authority outside the council and often serves primarily as the council chairperson. In this model, the mayor cannot independently appoint or remove officials and lacks veto power over council votes. The mayor's election by citizens provides a direct mandate, but administrative power is diffused or vested elsewhere.

Global Implementation

Canada

Mayor-council systems in Canada exhibit variations across provinces and municipalities. These systems maintain legitimacy through public vote, reflecting a commitment to elected representation at the local level.

Germany

Germany employs a form of mayor–council government that closely resembles the strong-mayor variant. This structure emphasizes the executive authority of the mayor within the municipal framework.

Italy

Italy utilizes a strong-mayor model, granting significant executive powers to the directly elected mayor. This system is designed to ensure decisive leadership in municipal administration.

Japan

Japanese mayors are directly elected and hold substantial power. The directly elected council acts as a check and balance, operating under central government oversight per the Local Autonomy Act. The system includes mayoral veto powers and a parliamentary aspect where the assembly can issue a vote of no confidence, potentially leading to mayoral removal or new elections.

Taiwan

Taiwan's administrative divisions, including six special municipalities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, operate under a mayor/magistrate-council form of government. This structure mirrors aspects of the strong-mayor system, with elected mayors or magistrates overseeing local administration.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, mayors are appointed or elected in most local government areas, contributing to a governance structure that incorporates elements of the mayor-council system, adapting it to the nation's administrative context.

Related Governance Forms

City Commission Government

A system where a small group of elected commissioners serves as both the legislative and executive body, often heading specific city departments. This contrasts with the distinct separation of powers in the mayor-council model.

Town Meeting

A form of direct democracy where citizens gather to debate and vote on local issues. Variations include representative town meetings, which are less direct but still emphasize citizen participation.

Direct Democracy

While not a specific government structure, direct democracy principles influence some local governance forms, allowing citizens more direct involvement in decision-making processes beyond electing representatives.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Mayor–council government Wikipedia page

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Civic Architecture: The Mayor-Council Framework

What is Mayor-Council Government? 🏛️

👑 Executive and Legislative Roles

🇺🇸 Prevalence in the United States

📜 Foundational Principle

Variations and Mayoral Power ⚖️

💪 Strong-Mayor System

👤 Weak-Mayor System

Global Implementation 🌍

🇨🇦 Canada

🇩🇪 Germany

🇮🇹 Italy

🇯🇵 Japan

🇹🇼 Taiwan

🇲🇾 Malaysia

Related Governance Forms 🔗

🏛️ City Commission Government

🗣️ Town Meeting

🗳️ Direct Democracy

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

What is Mayor-Council Government?

Executive and Legislative Roles

Prevalence in the United States

Foundational Principle

Variations and Mayoral Power

Strong-Mayor System

Weak-Mayor System

Global Implementation

Canada

Germany

Italy

Japan

Taiwan

Malaysia

Related Governance Forms

City Commission Government

Town Meeting

Direct Democracy

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice