city officers are appointed.

The term of mayor, city justices and aldermen is in most states two years;
that of the other officers, one year.

Any officer of the city may be removed from office by vote of two-thirds
of the whole number of aldermen. But an elective officer must be given "an
opportunity to be heard in his own defense."

A vacancy in the office of mayor or alderman is filled by a new election.
A vacancy in any other office is filled by appointment. The person elected
or appointed serves for the unexpired term.

The Mayor is the chief executive officer and head of the police of the
city. By and with the consent of the council, he appoints a chief of
police and other police officers and watchmen. In case of disturbance he
may appoint as many special constables as he may think necessary, and he
may discharge them whenever he thinks their services no longer needed.

The City Council consists of the aldermen. [Footnote: In some states the
city council consists of two bodies.] It is the judge of the election of
its own members. A majority of the members elected constitutes a quorum
for the transaction of business.

The council chooses its own president and vice-president. In case the
mayor is absent from the city or for any reason is temporarily unable to
act, the president of the council acts as mayor, with the title Acting
Mayor.

Passing Ordinances.--The mode of passing an ordinance is unlike anything