What allowed the commission system of city government to become ineffective?

The commission system of city government became ineffective primarily due to the lack of a designated leader. This system was designed to allow for a group of elected officials to collectively make decisions on city governance rather than relying on a single executive. However, the absence of a clear leader often resulted in fragmented leadership and a lack of accountability, which made it difficult for the commission to enact cohesive policies and effectively manage city affairs.

Without a designated leader, there was no one person to take responsibility for the overall success or failure of the city administration, leading to difficulties in coordination and implementation of initiatives. This situation often resulted in confusion regarding authority, which ultimately diminished the effectiveness of governance in the community. In contrast, a system with a strong, designated leader can provide clear direction and accountability, enhancing the capacity for effective governance.

Other factors, such as high turnover rates, strong mayor influence, or voter ignorance, may have also impacted the efficiency of city government, but the core issue with the commission system lies in its lack of a central authoritative figure to streamline decisions and actions.