Why do the United States cities' councils have so few members?

Question

Why are there so few?

(E.g.: Harrisburg (7), Seattle (9), Los Angeles (15), Houston (14), exceptions are New York (51) and Chicago (50)).

Answer 1

Well, I served on City Council of 5, for a city of about 60,000 people.  I think smaller is better.  The more people sitting at the table, the more likely  paralysis sets in, as, instead of representing the city as a whole, they get bogged down in various special sub-group politics.  And I would say this is proved by your example.  

Those cities with the largest Councils are typically the worst run Cities.

Answer 2

I don't see the number of council people to be of any significance. The fewer the better. Salaries DO need to be paid.