Why have most cities abandoned the commission form of government?

Why have most cities abandoned the commission form of government?

• A. Due to its high operational costs
• B. Because of its fundamental weaknesses
• C. It does not allow for citizen participation
• D. It is too complex for local governance

Answer: (B)

The reason why most cities have abandoned the commission form of government primarily stems from its fundamental weaknesses. This governance structure, which combines legislative and executive powers in a small group of elected officials, can lead to a lack of accountability and the concentration of power in a few individuals' hands. Furthermore, the commission form often lacks a clear separation of roles, which can cause confusion and inefficiency in decision-making. As cities have grown and faced more complex governance challenges, they have sought structures that promote greater accountability, transparency, and public participation, leading to the adoption of more robust systems like the mayor-council model or council-manager systems. These alternatives provide clearer lines of authority and facilitate better governance by allowing for elected representatives to manage diverse administrative functions more effectively.

The reason why most cities have abandoned the commission form of government primarily stems from its fundamental weaknesses. This governance structure, which combines legislative and executive powers in a small group of elected officials, can lead to a lack of accountability and the concentration of power in a few individuals' hands. Furthermore, the commission form often lacks a clear separation of roles, which can cause confusion and inefficiency in decision-making. As cities have grown and faced more complex governance challenges, they have sought structures that promote greater accountability, transparency, and public participation, leading to the adoption of more robust systems like the mayor-council model or council-manager systems. These alternatives provide clearer lines of authority and facilitate better governance by allowing for elected representatives to manage diverse administrative functions more effectively.