Date of Award
2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Fitzgerald, Keith
Area of Concentration
Political Science
Abstract
Given the close institutional proximity of city government, it is surprising how little is known about how city government form affects politics and governance. This thesis develops a theoretical model for agenda setting in mayor-council and manager-commission forms of government by considering how institutionally defined actors work in context to realize their policies. An unusual feature of this theory is its insistence on the special ability of a ceremonial mayor or council chair to “agenda set.” Field interviews are conducted with mayors, city managers, commissioners, and councilpersons to inform this discussion. A second analysis links campaign platforms to adopted ordinances. Results are difficult to interpret as campaigns for office did not contain the types of policy proposals anticipated. Future research should examine policy formation in city legislative committees.
Recommended Citation
Malo, Kohl, "AGENDA SETTING IN CITIES: RELATIVE ACTOR EFFICACY ACROSS CITY GOVERNMENT FORM" (2017). Theses & ETDs. 5382.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5382