Author: University Of North Division

Publisher: Theclassics.Us

Published: 2013-09

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 9781230458472

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1921 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III FORM OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT PROGRESS IN MUNICIPAL GOYERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES H. W. Dorms, Secretary National Municipal League The curse of our municipal government in the past, as with our state government, has been its puzzling complexity. Early in the last century our cities followed the federal plan of two chambered councils and an elected executive. At this point, however, they diverted from the model for fear of a strong mayor. They made the mayor weak as an executive giving him little control over his subordinates, many of whom were elected independently. By such a system of checks and balances it was supposed that the various departments of government would be set over against each other in a condition of perfect equilibrium. The liberty of the citizen would thus be protected against autocratic officials who would otherwise selfishly gather power to themselves to the disadvantage of the people. This complicated system, difficult to administer at best, was further darkened by the adoption of the spoils system. "To the victor belong the spoils" sounded like a good sporting proposition and the American people accepted it in an uncritical spirit. Naturally municipal elections followed national party lines since the strength of the party rested upon its local units. The theory of democracy seemed to demand that all public offices be elective no matter how small or obscure they were. Thus local elections formed the battle ground for contending political organizations and it was to be expected that when one party got control of the elective offices they would not stop until they had extended their control to all appointive offices and employees as well. This situation was indeed a dark background for the development of...