The city council makes most city appointments, creates the city’s budget, and makes the city’s laws
The council hires a city manager to handle the day-to-day operations, hire and fire staff, and administer the budget.
Most commonly used in small towns
The mayor may performs ceremonial duties and may be a member of the council
Mayor hires and fires city staff, writes the city budget, and may veto actions of the city council
the mayor and city council share the policymaking responsibilities
Most commonly used in large cities, such as Atlanta
The city council serves as the city legislature and may have the power to override the mayor’s veto
he city government is set up to resemble a corporation
The city council possesses most of the power in the city
a definite separation of powers between the mayor and the city councila definite separation of powers between the mayor and the city council
The mayor’s responsibilities are primarily ceremonial; the mayor is not a true chief executive
The city council establishes policies, passes city ordinances, and supervises the city government.
Mayor has total responsibility for day-to-day operations of the city
The citizens (“shareholders”) elect a city council (“board of directors”).