Analyze the difference between the commission form of legal government and they cancel management form of legal government

1 answer

The commission form of government and council-manager form of government are both variations of a municipal government structure, but they have distinct differences in terms of organization and decision-making processes.

1. Commission Form of Government:
- In the commission form of government, an elected commission is responsible for both legislative and executive functions. Each commissioner is typically elected at-large, meaning they represent the entire municipality rather than a specific district.
- Commissioners are responsible for making policy decisions, managing departments, and overseeing the daily operations of the government. This can lead to a concentration of power and decision-making in the hands of a few individuals.
- The commission form of government is often associated with smaller municipalities and can be more efficient in terms of decision-making and responsiveness to local issues. However, it can also be more prone to corruption and lack of transparency due to the concentration of power.

2. Council-Manager Form of Government:
- In the council-manager form of government, an elected city council is responsible for making policy decisions and setting goals for the municipality, while a professional city manager is responsible for implementing those decisions and managing the day-to-day operations of the government.
- The city manager is typically hired based on their expertise in public administration and is responsible for appointing department heads, preparing the budget, and overseeing the implementation of policies set by the city council. This creates a separation of powers between the elected officials and the professional staff.
- The council-manager form of government is often associated with larger municipalities and is considered more efficient and professional in terms of governance. It allows elected officials to focus on setting policy goals and representing their constituents, while leaving the day-to-day operations to a trained administrator.

In summary, the commission form of government is characterized by a concentration of power in elected commissioners who are responsible for both legislative and executive functions, while the council-manager form of government is characterized by a separation of powers between elected officials and a professional city manager who oversees the daily operations of the government. The council-manager form of government is generally considered to be more efficient, professional, and transparent compared to the commission form of government, which can be more prone to corruption and lack of accountability.