commission plan
Definition
Noun: A system of municipal government in which a small, elected commission holds both legislative and executive authority. Each commissioner typically oversees a specific city department.
Usage
This term is used to describe a specific structure of local government, primarily in a historical or political science context. - The city adopted a commission plan to streamline its administration after the hurricane. - Under the commission plan, the commissioner of public works is also a city legislator.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The commission plan was a progressive reform movement in the early 20th century, often proposed as a more efficient and business-like alternative to the mayor-council system.
- Critique: The structure is sometimes criticized for potentially lacking checks and balances, as legislative and executive powers are fused.
Variants and Related Words
- Commissioner: An elected member of a governing commission.
- Commission Form of Government: A synonymous phrase for the commission plan.
Synonyms
- Commission form of government
- Commission system
Related Terms
- City Commission: The elected body that governs under this plan.
- Mayor-Council Government: A contrasting system where legislative and executive powers are separated.
Noun
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a municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in the members of a commission
