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The Early Years in the Life Cycle of City Councils: a Downsian Analysis

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  • Robert J. Waste

    (Department of Political Science, Brown University, Providence, U.S.A)

Abstract

Anthony Downs argues that most government bureaus follow an eight stage developmental life cycle including such steps as: (1) birth of the agency, (2) early dominance by 'advocates' or 'zealots', (3) a struggle for autonomy followed by (4) a struggle for support, (5) rapid growth, and (6) a 'decelerator effect' ending in (7) a 'crisis of continuity' and rarely — (8) death. The present article applies Downs' life cycle explanation of bureaucratic agency behaviour to an elected public body and argues that elected bodies exhibit characteristics similar to nonelected and long-term bureaucratic organisations.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert J. Waste, 1983. "The Early Years in the Life Cycle of City Councils: a Downsian Analysis," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 20(1), pages 73-81, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:20:y:1983:i:1:p:73-81
    DOI: 10.1080/713703153
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    Cited by:

    1. Trueblood, Michael A. & Honadle, Beth Walter, 1994. "An Overview Of Factors Affecting The Size Of Local Government," Staff Papers 13688, University of Minnesota, Department of Applied Economics.

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