How many main types of municipal governments are there?

Municipal governments primarily serve as the local governance structures within a state, and they can be categorized into three main types: mayor-council, council-manager, and commission systems. Each of these forms has distinct characteristics that influence how power is distributed and how decisions are made within the municipality.

In a mayor-council system, there is a separation of powers wherein the mayor is typically both an executive leader and a representative elected by the public, while the council acts as the legislative body. This model can exist in either a strong-mayor configuration, granting the mayor substantial authority, or in a weak-mayor configuration, where the council holds more power.

The council-manager system features an elected council that appoints a city manager to handle the executive functions of the city. This structure emphasizes professional management and is designed to create a non-political administration, allowing the city manager to implement policies set by the council.

The commission system, while less common now, involves both administrative and legislative functions being consolidated into a single body. Each commissioner generally heads a specific department, which allows for direct oversight of various municipal services.

Understanding these three types of municipal government structures is crucial for comprehending how local governance operates, as they influence local policies, administration