Atlanta (Ga.)

The City of Atlanta became incorporated in 1847. The charter stated that the citizens of the city of Atlanta would elect a mayor and six person city council. In 1874, the city adopted a new charter, creating a bicameral council. The legislative branch was now comprised of the City Council and Board of Aldermen. The city adopted a new charter in 1974, which changed the structure of the legislative branch. Once the charter was enacted, the Board of Aldermen was incorporated into the City Council, with twelve members elected from districts and at-large posts. The city also includes the executive branch, which is headed by the mayor of Atlanta, and oversees the various city departments. The 1847 charter did not include a judicial branch. Instead, the mayor served as the head of the court. In 1856, the Georgia Legislature established the City Court of Atlanta, which lasted only two years. The city court was permanently established in 1871.

From the description of City of Atlanta records, 1848-2004, undated. (Atlanta History Center). WorldCat record id: 742053394