Weak-Mayor-Council Plan in the United States
Municipal Government Weak-Mayor-Council Plan
Introduction to Weak-Mayor-Council Plan
The oldest type of local government, the weak-mayor-council plan, was universal until the latter part of the 19th century. Under this plan the mayor, elected by the voters at large, usually has limited appointive and veto powers and little control over the city administration. The council, elected either by wards or by the voters at large, is vested with both legislative and executive powers, including the authority to appoint and supervise administrative department heads. Some municipalities were handicapped by this form of government, since administrative powers were shared independently and no single group or person could be effective. In such cases, the council may hire a chief administrative officer to oversee administrative functions.” (1)
Resources
Notes and References
- Information about Weak-Mayor-Council Plan in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia