Questions: Which types of city government is the oldest type of city government in America?
City manager form
Mayor-council form
Court form
Commission form
Transcript text: Which types of city government is the oldest type of city government in America?
City manager form
Mayor-council form
Court form
Commission form
Solution
Answer
The answer is Mayor-council form.
Explanation
Option 1: City manager form
The city manager form of government is a more modern development, typically emerging in the early 20th century as part of the Progressive Era reforms aimed at reducing corruption and increasing efficiency in city governance.
Option 2: Mayor-council form
The mayor-council form is the oldest type of city government in America. This form dates back to the colonial period and is modeled after the English system of municipal governance. It features an elected mayor who serves as the executive and an elected council that serves as the legislative body.
Option 3: Court form
The court form is not a recognized type of city government in the context of American municipal governance. It may refer to judicial systems but not to city government structures.
Option 4: Commission form
The commission form of government was developed in the early 20th century, particularly after the Galveston hurricane of 1900, as a way to streamline decision-making and improve efficiency. It is not as old as the mayor-council form.