Which city management system allows for legislative independence at the local level?

The correct answer is Home Rule. Home Rule is a system that grants local governments the authority to self-govern and make legislative decisions independently from state legislatures. This autonomy allows cities and municipalities to enact their own ordinances, manage local affairs, and address the unique needs and preferences of their communities without needing explicit permission from the state government.

In contrast, a General Law system does not offer the same level of independence, as it requires local governments to adhere strictly to laws set forth by the state. Under Federal Law, local governments do not have the discretion to create their own laws, as they must comply with federal statutes. State Regulation also entails adherence to state laws and does not provide the latitude for local legislative independence that Home Rule does. Therefore, Home Rule emphasizes local governance and empowers municipalities to control their local legislative matters effectively.