Question 1

City Council members in Chicago are now called councilpersons, having dropped the name 'aldermen' several years ago.

Accepted Answer

As of my last update in April 2023, City Council members in Chicago are still officially called "aldermen," although there have been discussions and proposals about changing the title to a gender-neutral term like "councilperson."

Question 2

Describe the difference between a strong mayor and a weak mayor.  In doing so, compare the different challenges they face and how they might overcome these challenges. Provide some specific examples to illustrate your points.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the difference between a strong mayor...

Question 3

Local governments are becoming more entrepreneurial.

Accepted Answer

Local governments are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial approaches to improve efficiency, generate revenue, and provide better services to their communities, often through public-private partnerships, innovative financing methods, and by fostering economic development initiatives.

Question 4

The text has a feature, "The Mayor, the City Council, and Walmart...and the Community," about the development of a Walmart store near St. Louis. Describe the basic points of conflict in the story and explain how elite theory, pluralist theory, and regime theory might explain the outcome.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The text has a feature, "The Mayor,...

Question 5

​ City councils today are less white, less male, and less passive than they were in the past.

Accepted Answer

Over the years, there has been a significant shift towards more diversity in city councils across various cities, with more representation from women and minority groups, leading to councils that are less white, less male, and more proactive in addressing a wide range of issues.

Question 6

Leadership is a central, critical concern in local government.

Accepted Answer

Leadership in local government is crucial because it directly impacts the implementation of policies, the management of community services, and the overall well-being of the local population. Effective leadership ensures efficient governance, addresses local issues, and fosters community development.

Question 7

The diversity of American society is increasingly reflected in local communities and their political structures. How are various minority communities gaining political power and, once they do, how are their decisions different than those made by previous councils?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The diversity of American society is increasingly...

Question 8

Much is being made of a new type of mayor--one that relishes conflict and refuses compromise.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Much is being made of a new...

Question 9

City Councils with higher-than-average Latino representation tend to be found in the Southwest and Far West and in larger central cities that use council-manager structures.

Accepted Answer

This pattern reflects demographic trends where Latino populations are higher in the Southwest and Far West regions of the United States. Larger central cities often adopt council-manager structures for local governance, which can facilitate broader representation, including higher Latino representation on city councils.

Question 10

Given the finite number of council seats in any community and the fact  that more groups are now clamoring for representation, two outcomes are  possible: minority groups may try to build coalitions, or they may opt for a  more independent, competitive approach.

Accepted Answer

Given the limited number of council seats, minority groups face a strategic choice between forming coalitions to increase their collective bargaining power or competing independently to maximize their individual interests.

Question 11

Local governments are confronting their problems and challenges by looking to historical solutions, much in the manner that political conservatives do across the nation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Local governments are confronting their problems and...

Question 12

Did the decision made in Kelo v. City of New London favorably impact eminent domain for state and local governments, and the public?  Why/why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Did the decision made in Kelo v....

Question 13

Mayors today tend to eschew balanced budgets, choosing to deliver public goods and the votes that follow.

Accepted Answer

Mayors, like other elected officials, often strive for balanced budgets to maintain fiscal responsibility, though they must balance this with the delivery of public services. The statement oversimplifies and inaccurately represents the complex decisions involved in municipal governance.

Question 14

Minority representation in local government has risen to near equality with that of whites.

Accepted Answer

Despite progress, minority representation in local government often remains below their proportion in the general population, indicating a gap towards achieving near equality with whites.

Question 15

Nonprofit organizations have become a major player in the policy-making and service delivery practices of many communities. Who are these nonprofits, how do they become integrally involved in policymaking, and are they any different than large business interests?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Nonprofit organizations have become a major player...

Quiz 11: Local Leadership and Governance