Council Powers.—The city council has about the same powers as a village council in regard to streets, the prevention and extinguishment of fires, etc.—the same in kind but somewhat more extensive. But it can also levy taxes for public purposes, as has before been said. It usually elects the assessor, the city attorney, the street commissioner, and a city surveyor, and in some states other officers.
The recorder, treasurer, assessor, justices of the peace, and police constables, have duties similar to those of the corresponding officers in a village or a town.
Some Pertinent Questions.
If two persons should claim the same seat in the city council, who would decide the matter?
State three ways in which a proposed ordinance may become an ordinance. Two ways in which it may fail. How can persons living in a city find out what ordinances the council passes? How far are the ordinances of any city operative?
Compare the government of a village with that of a city.
Are school affairs managed by the city council? How is it in a village? In a town.
If a new school-house is needed in a city, and there is not money enough in the treasury to build it, what can be done?
If you live in a city having a special charter, borrow a copy of it from a lawyer or from the city recorder, and find out what powers and privileges are granted to the corporation not specified in the general law; what limitations are imposed; and, if a municipal court is provided for, what its jurisdiction is in civil actions and in criminal prosecutions.
Name the principal officers in your city. The aldermen from your ward.