City Government: Closest To The People

Briefly analyzes some of the historical developments leading to our present democractic local government systems. Shows view of actual work sessions of municipal governments, including open meetings where citizens have an allotted time to voice their opinions. Indicates some of the strengths of local governments, and points out some of the possible weaknesses. Interview with citizens and city government employees reveal some discrepancies in attitudes., Emphasizes the need for community involvement in local government by examining the efforts of Los Angeles, California; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Alexandria, Virginia; Fargo, North Dakota; and Sunnyvale, California, to isolate common problems and find unique solutions. Shows a regular session of Oklahoma City's City Council, where citizens bring their complaints; Los Angeles councilwoman Pat Russell walking through her district in order to talk to constituents about problems they may have; the citizens' assistance center in Alexandria; and the modern urban area of Sunnyvale, where computers are used to help solve urban problems. Traces the history of American city governments, from colonial times to the present., , Examines the city governments of selected communities throughout the United States. Shows how city government workers are involved with aspects of the daily lives of people in their communities.NOTE: Two (or more) records have been merged together to create this data.