What type of government does the city of Chicago operate under?

The city of Chicago operates under a mayor-council form of government, which is characterized by a strong mayor serving as the chief executive officer and a city council that acts as the legislative body. In this structure, the mayor holds significant powers, including the authority to enforce laws, manage city operations, and influence budgeting and policy decisions. The city council, made up of elected representatives, has the role of passing ordinances and making decisions on local matters.

This governance model allows for a clear separation of powers between the executive branch led by the mayor and the legislative branch made up of council members. This form enhances the mayor's accountability to the electorate while providing a systematic approach to governance, allowing for efficient decision-making and responsiveness to public needs.

Other forms of government listed, such as council-manager, commission, or town meeting, do not accurately reflect how Chicago is structured. The council-manager system typically involves a city manager who is appointed by the council, while the commission form emphasizes collective decision-making by a group of elected officials. The town meeting form is more commonly associated with small towns and enables direct participation by citizens in the decision-making process.