Municipal Government Structure & Functions Flashcards

Which form of municipal government features a directly elected mayor who serves as both head of government and chief executive?

Answer: Strong-mayor form

In the strong-mayor form, the elected mayor holds executive authority including appointment and removal of department heads without council approval.

A municipal ordinance differs from a municipal resolution primarily in that an ordinance:

Answer: Is a permanent law that binds the public

Ordinances are permanent legislative enactments that carry the force of law, while resolutions typically express intent or policy without creating binding legal obligations.

In a council-manager government, who is typically responsible for preparing and submitting the annual budget to the council?

Answer: The city manager

The city manager, as chief administrative officer, prepares the budget and presents it to the council, which then holds authority to adopt or modify it.

What is the primary purpose of a municipal charter?

Answer: To define the structure, powers, and limitations of local government

A municipal charter serves as the foundational governing document that establishes organizational structure, grants powers, and defines limitations of the local government.

Which of the following best describes a 'home rule' municipality?

Answer: A municipality that derives authority directly from the state constitution or statute without needing special legislative approval

Home rule grants municipalities broad authority to legislate on local matters without requiring specific state enabling legislation for each action.

At-large council elections differ from district (ward) elections in that at-large elections:

Answer: Allow all voters citywide to vote for each council seat

In at-large elections, every registered voter in the city may vote for candidates for each council seat, rather than only voters in a specific district.

Which municipal body typically has authority to approve or reject the city attorney's interpretation of charter provisions?

Answer: The governing body (city council)

The city council, as the governing body, has final authority over policy interpretations and may accept, reject, or request revision of legal opinions from the city attorney.