Question 1

In cities with the __________ of government, mayors are often chosen from members of the elected city council rather than elected directly by the people.
A)weak mayor-council form
B)mayor-council charter
C)strong mayor-council form
D)council-manager plan
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

In weak mayor-council forms of government, the mayor's role is usually limited to ceremonial duties and the council holds most of the governing power. Therefore, it is common for mayors to be chosen from members of the council rather than elected directly by the people.

Question 2

Today more than 3,100 cities, located in virtually every state, operate under a __________.In fact it has become the most popular form of local government in medium-sized cities of more than 10,000 citizens.
A)weak mayor-council form charter
B)mayor-council charter
C)strong mayor-council form charter
D)council-manager plan
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The council-manager plan is the most popular form of local government in medium-sized cities of more than 10,000 citizens, as stated in the question. This plan involves the appointment of a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the city, while the elected city council sets policy and oversees the manager's performance. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it matches the description given in the question.

Question 3

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 forbids states and cities with a history of __________ from adopting the at-large system for electing council members.
A)voter fraud
B)discrimination
C)poll taxes
D)slavery
E)secession

Accepted Answer

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted to address the issue of racial discrimination in voting. It specifically prohibits states and cities with a history of discrimination from adopting the at-large system for electing council members, as this system often dilutes the voting power of minority communities. Therefore, choice B (discrimination) is the correct answer. Choices A, C, D, and E are not directly related to the topic of the question.

Question 4

The oldest type of charter is the
A)weak mayor-council form charter.
B)mayor-council charter.
C)strong mayor-council form charter.
D)council-manager plan.
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The mayor-council charter is considered the oldest type of charter. This form of government dates back to the early 1800s and is still used by many cities today. It provides for a strong mayor who is elected by the people and a city council that is either elected at-large or by district. This form of government is most commonly found in smaller cities and towns and is seen as a simple and straightforward model of local governance.

Question 5

Aristotle observed that people came together in the cities for security, but they stayed there for
A)comfort.
B)companionship.
C)amenities.
D)a good life.
E)experience.

Accepted Answer

Aristotle believed that people came together in cities for security reasons, but eventually stayed there for the purpose of living a good life. The city provided a conducive environment for people to live comfortable lives with access to amenities, companionship, and experiences. However, the primary motivator for staying in the city was the pursuit of happiness and a good life. Therefore, option D is the best choice.

Question 6

Most cities have altered their charters to give their mayors power
A)to prepare budgets.
B)to appoint and remove heads of departments.
C)to investigate departmental activities.
D)to send legislative messages to the city councils.
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

Most cities have altered their charters to give their mayors power to prepare budgets, appoint and remove heads of departments, investigate departmental activities, and send legislative messages to the city councils. Therefore, all of the above would be correct.

Question 7

The United States is now a nation of about _________ municipalities, and although some small cities or incorporated villages have just a few hundred people, the largest have millions.
A)8,000
B)19,000
C)27,000
D)50,000
E)100,000

Accepted Answer

The United States has approximately 19,000 municipalities, ranging from small villages to large cities with millions of residents. This diversity in size reflects the varied governance structures across the country.

Question 8

The mayor-council charter includes which of the following?
A)a single chamber.
B)over 100 members.
C)a council of 2 to 50 members.
D)A and B
E)A and C

Accepted Answer

The mayor-council charter includes a single chamber and a council of 2 to 50 members, making options A and C correct. Option B, over 100 members, is not typically part of a mayor-council charter. Therefore, the best choice is E, which includes the correct options.

Question 9

The three U.S.supercities are Chicago, New York, and
A)Cleveland.
B)Philadelphia.
C)Boston.
D)Los Angeles.
E)San Francisco.

Accepted Answer

Although Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles are often referred to as the "big three" cities in the United States, the other options (Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Boston) do not meet the criteria of "supercity" status in terms of population, economic influence, and cultural significance. San Francisco also has a strong case for inclusion as a supercity, but it may not be as widely recognized as the other three.

Question 10

Under the __________ of government, the mayor is elected directly by the people and given fairly broad appointment powers.
A)weak mayor-council form
B)mayor-council charter
C)strong mayor-council form
D)council-manager plan
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

In the strong mayor-council form of government, the mayor is directly elected and has significant powers, including appointment and veto powers. This is in contrast to the weak mayor-council form, where the mayor has limited powers, and the council-manager plan, where the mayor is a ceremonial figurehead without executive powers. The mayor-council charter is not a recognized form of government.

Question 11

Which of the following is a method of selecting city council members?
A)Primary elections
B)At-large elections
C)State elections
D)Appointment by the governor
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

At-large elections are a method of selecting city council members where candidates are elected to serve the entire jurisdiction rather than representing a specific district within the jurisdiction.

Question 12

According to the council-manager plan
A)the hiring of professional administrators is prohibited.
B)the city council hires a professional administrator to manage city affairs.
C)the mayor has ultimate power in making decisions.
D)None of the above
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

The council-manager plan involves the hiring of a professional city manager/administrator to handle the day-to-day operations of the city, while the city council retains the ultimate decision-making power. Therefore, option B - "the city council hires a professional administrator to manage city affairs" - is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because the hiring of professional administrators is a fundamental aspect of the council-manager plan. Option C is incorrect because the mayor's power is limited in a council-manager system, as the city council is the governing body with decision-making authority.

Question 13

The most common type of city charter is the
A)weak mayor-council form charter.
B)mayor-council charter.
C)strong mayor-council form charter.
D)council-manager plan.
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The mayor-council charter is the most common type of city charter in which the city council holds the legislative power and the mayor holds the executive power. This form of government is used in many large cities across the United States.

Question 14

Those who prefer to live in cities are attracted by
A)employment opportunities.
B)diversity of people.
C)cultural centers.
D)professional sports teams.
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the above options are factors that attract people to live in cities. Employment opportunities, diversity of people, cultural centers, and professional sports teams are all appealing aspects of city life.

Question 15

Under the council-manager plan, the council is usually elected in ________ primaries and elections, either on a citywide basis or by election districts.
A)nonpartisan
B)partisan
C)biannual
D)at-large
E)ward-based

Accepted Answer

Under the council-manager plan, the council is usually elected in nonpartisan primaries and elections, meaning political parties are not officially involved or listed on the ballot. This helps ensure that council members are selected based on their qualifications and merits rather than their political affiliation.

Question 16

The typical responsibility of a mayor does NOT include
A)enlarging the tax base.
B)working with the private sector to promote economic growth.
C)securing additional jobs.
D)complete oversight of appropriations and spending.
E)showcasing his or her city in an attractive light to certain kinds of businesses.

Accepted Answer

While the mayor typically has a role in the budget process and may influence spending decisions, complete oversight of appropriations and spending is not typically the responsibility of the mayor alone. This is usually the role of a city manager or other administrative officials.

Question 17

The first ___________ elected to be mayors in big cities were Carl Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio, and Richard Hatcher of Gary, Indiana, both elected in 1967.
A)Hispanics
B)Asians
C)African Americans
D)naturalized citizens
E)immigrants

Accepted Answer

Carl Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio, and Richard Hatcher of Gary, Indiana, were both African Americans and were the first to be elected as mayors in big cities in 1967.

Question 18

Which of the following presidential candidates had NOT previously served as a mayor before running in a presidential election?
A)Andrew Johnson
B)Calvin Coolidge
C)Richard Nixon
D)Grover Cleveland
E)Hubert Humphrey

Accepted Answer

Richard Nixon had not served as a mayor before running in a presidential election. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and as Vice President before his presidential bids.

Question 19

In the weak mayor-council form of government, mayors are often chosen
A)directly by the population.
B)by the Chamber of Commerce.
C)by members of the city council.
D)None of the above
E)All of the above

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the weak mayor-council form of government,...

Question 20

Reformers in the early 1900s acclaimed the ________, in which the city council hires a professional administrator to manage city affairs.
A)weak mayor-council form charter
B)mayor-council charter
C)strong mayor-council form charter
D)council-manager plan
E)None of the above

Accepted Answer

The council-manager plan is a system of municipal government in which an elected council hires a professional city manager to oversee administrative operations. This plan is often favored by reformers, as it separates political decision-making from city administration, and allows for more efficient and effective management of municipal affairs. The other choices, weak mayor-council and strong mayor-council charters, both involve the mayor playing a more prominent role in city governance, which may not be desirable for those seeking more accountable and professional city management.

Quiz 27: Local Governments and Metropolitics

In cities with the __________ of government, mayors are often chosen from members of the elected city council rather than elected directly by the people.

Today more than 3,100 cities, located in virtually every state, operate under a __________.In fact it has become the most popular form of local government in medium-sized cities of more than 10,000 citizens.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 forbids states and cities with a history of __________ from adopting the at-large system for electing council members.

The oldest type of charter is the

Aristotle observed that people came together in the cities for security, but they stayed there for

Most cities have altered their charters to give their mayors power

The United States is now a nation of about _________ municipalities, and although some small cities or incorporated villages have just a few hundred people, the largest have millions.

The mayor-council charter includes which of the following?

The three U.S.supercities are Chicago, New York, and

Under the __________ of government, the mayor is elected directly by the people and given fairly broad appointment powers.

Which of the following is a method of selecting city council members?

According to the council-manager plan

The most common type of city charter is the

Those who prefer to live in cities are attracted by

Under the council-manager plan, the council is usually elected in ________ primaries and elections, either on a citywide basis or by election districts.

The typical responsibility of a mayor does NOT include

The first ___________ elected to be mayors in big cities were Carl Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio, and Richard Hatcher of Gary, Indiana, both elected in 1967.

Which of the following presidential candidates had NOT previously served as a mayor before running in a presidential election?

In the weak mayor-council form of government, mayors are often chosen

Reformers in the early 1900s acclaimed the ________, in which the city council hires a professional administrator to manage city affairs.