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Analyze the difference between an open town meeting and a representative town meeting.(1 point) Responses In an open town meeting, everyone can cast a vote, while in a representative town meeting, only the representatives can vote. In an open town meeting, everyone can cast a vote, while in a representative town meeting, only the representatives can vote. In an open town meeting, the commission has the final vote in any town proceedings, while in a representative town meeting, every citizen has the final vote. In an open town meeting, the commission has the final vote in any town proceedings, while in a representative town meeting, every citizen has the final vote. In an open town meeting, the mayor casts the final vote after the representatives have voted, while in a representative town meeting, the manager casts the final vote. In an open town meeting, the mayor casts the final vote after the representatives have voted, while in a representative town meeting, the manager casts the final vote. In an open town meeting, representatives of the town council lobby for their ordinance to be passed, while in a representative town meeting, no lobbying takes place.

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The primary difference between an open town meeting and a representative town meeting lies in who has the right to vote and make decisions regarding town matters.

  1. Voting Rights:

    • In an open town meeting, all registered voters in the town can participate and cast their votes on various issues and decisions. This structure encourages direct democracy and allows residents to have a say in local governance.
    • In a representative town meeting, only elected representatives (or delegates) vote on behalf of the community. This system creates a more organized decision-making process, limiting participation to those who have been specifically chosen to represent the interests of their constituents.

  2. Decision-Making Authority:

    • In an open town meeting, the collective opinion of all present voters directly shapes the outcomes. This model emphasizes community involvement and transparency.
    • In a representative town meeting, the authority rests with the chosen representatives, who make decisions based on their understanding of what their constituents would prefer. This can streamline the process but may result in less direct citizen involvement.

  3. Final Vote:

    • The claim that a commission or a mayor casts a final vote in an open town meeting does not accurately describe the typical structure, as decisions are made collectively by all voters present.
    • In contrast, a representative town meeting typically has procedures in place whereby elected leaders and managers might have roles in facilitation and execution, but the power lies primarily with the representatives.

  4. Lobbying:

    • The notion that representatives in an open town meeting lobby for ordinances, while no lobbying takes place in representative meetings, is misleading. Lobbying can occur in both scenarios, albeit in different forms. Open meetings often allow for more open dialogue among residents and leaders, whereas representative meetings likely involve advocacy within a more structured political framework.

In summary, the key differences revolve around who can vote and make decisions—whether it is the entire voting population or elected representatives—along with the processes by which they arrive at those decisions.