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Internet Exercises
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1

The three main sources of power in any political system are force, influence, and authority. What is the basis for authority in the typical American community? American communities may be too diverse and complex to address this question with a simple answer. However, many communities do maintain websites that outline the authority structure of their communities, including one that observers frequently single out as a "typical" American city, Peoria, Illinois. Visit the website of the city of Peoria at www.ci.peoria.il.us.

Click on the link to "city government," browse through the links describing various components of the city government, and answer these questions:
  1. Does authority in Peoria appear to be concentrated in the hands of a few individuals, or is it more dispersed?
  2. Describe the division of labor among the various parts of the city government. Is it similar to the division of labor in your home community?
  3. Peoria is a city of approximately 112,000 people. How might the structure of authority be different in a bigger or smaller community?
  4. The Peoria city council posts the minutes of its meetings on this website. What, in your view, is the purpose of doing so?
  5. Based on what you see on this website, can you think of any ways that influence would play a role in the political structure of Peoria?





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