Give an account of city government in the United States, under the following heads:—
1. The American city:—
a. The mayor. b. The heads of departments. c. The city council. d. The judges. e. Appropriations.
f. The power of committees.
2. The practical workings of city governments:—
a. The contrast they show between theory and practice.
b. Various complaints urged against city governments.
c. Their effect upon the old-time confidence in the perfection of our
institutions.
3. The growth of American cities:—
a. The cities of Washington's time and those of to-day. b. The population of cities in 1790 and their population to-day. c. City growth since 1840.
4. Some consequences of rapid city growth:—
a. The pressure to construct public works.
b. The incurring of heavy debts.
c. The wastefulness due to a lack of foresight.
d. The increase in government due to the complexity of a city.
e. An illustration of this complexity in Boston.
f. The consequent mystery that enshrouds much of city government.
5. Some evils due to the fear of a "one-man" power:—
a. The objection to such power a century ago.
b. Restrictions imposed upon the mayor's power.
c. The division and weakening of responsibility.
d. The lack of unity in the administration of business.
e. The inefficiency of committees for executive purposes.
f. The alarming increase in city debts.