the mayor and city council share the policymaking responsibilities

The city council possesses most of the power in the city

The mayor’s responsibilities are primarily ceremonial; the mayor is not a true chief executive

The city council makes most city appointments, creates the city’s budget, and makes the city’s laws

Most commonly used in small towns

a definite separation of powers between the mayor and the city councila definite separation of powers between the mayor and the city council

Mayor has total responsibility for day-to-day operations of the city

Mayor hires and fires city staff, writes the city budget, and may veto actions of the city council

The city council serves as the city legislature and may have the power to override the mayor’s veto

Most commonly used in large cities, such as Atlanta

he city government is set up to resemble a corporation

The citizens (“shareholders”) elect a city council (“board of directors”).

The city council establishes policies, passes city ordinances, and supervises the city government.

The council hires a city manager to handle the day-to-day operations, hire and fire staff, and administer the budget.

The mayor may performs ceremonial duties and may be a member of the council