Examines some shared assumptions about the relationship of human nature and human behavior held by the U.S. Founding Fathers. Points out that the belief in the selfishness and corruptibility of man, as well as the experiences of the Revolution, led to the system of checks and balances in the U.S. Constitution. (LS)

Examines the effect of reformed governmental structures (nonpartisan election, city manager government, at-large elections) on the representation afforded to blacks on city councils in 243 central cities. Finds that at-large elections prevent blacks from achieving representation commensurate to their numbers in the population. (Author)

Examines the impact of local governmental structural arrangements (plan of council member election and size of the council) on the representation of blacks and hispanics. Two features of the municipal reform movement, at-large elections and small city councils, appear to adversely affect the equity of the minority groups' representation.…

Examines seven types of city election plans within 243 United States central cities to determine if their procedures create inequity in minority group representation. Finds that all plans underrepresent minorities but that more significant factors affecting representation include educational background, income, regional location, and age of city.…

Summarizes five research studies about urban political structure and its relation to city policy and minority representation. See SO 506 435-439 for annotations of the five studies. (AV)

Examines the policy relevance of urban governmental structures, especially those structures subject to the reforms of the early 20th century. Finds that reformed cities respond more to pressures that tend to reduce spending, and that unreformed cities respond more to pressures that increase spending. (Author)