In 1791, what was the main role played by City government in Philadelphia?

Question

I am not sure how to begin answering this question. Can someone please help?

Answer 1

Well, I think its important to note that in 1791 Philadelphia wasn't as large (in land/acres) as it is today. It was basically only center city. Also, the City was reincorporated in 1789, so there were some changes to City government around that time.

You might want to start with this page from the Independence Hall Association: http://www.ushistory.org/Philadelphia/philadelphia.html

The Philadelphia Information Locator Service is also a helpful site. Its a joint project of the Philadelphia Dept. or Records and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Among their resources:

A list of all Philadelphia mayors from 1691 (It looks like either Samuel Miles or John Barclay were mayor in 1791. A search for their names might reveal something. )
http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/Mayorlst.htm

The site also provides information about city agencies including histories and which agencies have been renamed, superseded, or are obsolete:

History of the office of the mayor http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/Docs/Inventor/graphics/agencies/M001.htm

City Council:
http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/DOCS/Inventor/textonly/agencies/A120.htm

City agencies index http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/Docs/Inventor/graphics/cityagen.htm

Renamed, superseded, or obsolete city agencies: http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/Docs/Inventor/graphics/cityagen.htm#RSO

You might also try the City Archives:
http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/carchive.htm
This newsletter from the Archives goes into some detail about the legal authority of the City:
http://www.phila.gov/PHILS/Docs/otherinfo/newslet/law1.htm

I hope this helps to get you started.