Which of the following is a characteristic of a strong mayor-council form of government?

• A. Limited mayoral power
• B. Mayor can veto council decisions
• C. Council has full control over appointments
• D. Mayor serves as a ceremonial figurehead

Answer: (B)

In a strong mayor-council form of government, one of the defining characteristics is the authority of the mayor to veto decisions made by the council. This power allows the mayor to check the council's actions, providing a mechanism for balancing power within the government structure. The ability to veto not only empowers the mayor in the legislative process but also signifies a heightened level of responsibility and influence over policy decisions. This feature is integral to the functioning of a strong mayoral system, as it enables the mayor to advocate for their vision and priorities while still being held accountable to the council and ultimately the electorate.

The other characteristics listed generally describe either a weak mayor-council form, where the mayor has limited authority, or a situation where the council exerts greater control, neither of which align with the principles of a strong mayor-council government.