Mayor & Alderman

This is the oldest form of city government in the United States and until the 1900s, was used by nearly all American cities. Its structure is similar to that of the state and national governments, with an elected mayor as chief of the executive branch, and an elected group of alderman representing the various neighborhoods forming the legislative branch. Today, this is often referred to as a strong mayor system. The mayor appoints heads of city departments and other officials, sometimes with the approval of the alderman. He has the power of veto over city ordinances and frequently is responsible for preparing the citys budget. The council passes ordinances, the laws of the city, sets some of the tax rates, and apportions money among the various city departments.