Under which municipal form of government are citizens most likely to feel they lack influence?

The council-manager form of government often creates a structure where citizens may feel a sense of distance from decision-making processes. In this system, an elected council appoints a city manager to handle the day-to-day operations of the municipality. While council members represent the citizens, the actual management and administrative functions are delegated to the city manager, which can reduce the direct influence citizens may feel they have over local governance.

This structure can lead to a perception that decisions are made by a professional administrator rather than elected officials closely tied to the community's needs and desires. As a result, citizens may feel less engaged or influential in the government, since their connection is primarily through elected representatives who may not have direct involvement in all administrative actions.

In contrast, other forms of municipal government, such as mayor-council or commission systems, typically provide more direct citizen involvement and engagement with elected officials who have substantial authority and responsibility in decision-making. Home rule allows municipalities a degree of independence in self-governance, which can empower citizens to have a more active role in shaping their local government.