Checks and Balances in Local Government: City Charter Amendments and Revisions in Michigan 1960–1985

:City charter amendments and revisions in Michigan cities during the last 25 years reflect the shift in local governmental structures away from classical models that posit a separation of professional and political authority, and toward the development of new forms that give greater emphasis to political leadership and representation, while still retaining technical managerial competence. A study of charter revisions and amendments in the 24 Michigan cities which lost 10% or more of their population between 1970 and 1980 found that these political changes have been most prevalent in cities experiencing significant social and economic changes as well The charter changes formed a pattern that created a triangle between the mayor or manager, the council, and the electorate. As the electorate strengthens one to balance the other, it also adopts more voter-controlled checks on both.