There used to be a check and balance to this power. Some states had real Senates where Senators represented geographical areas rather than gerrymandered population groups. This gave rural voters a measure of power to prevent cities from riding roughshod over them.
In the 70’s, as I recall, the Supreme Court ruled that such arrangements were “unconstitutional” even though they mirror the structure of the Federal government, and required states to change their constitutions to require representation by population, the so called, one man, one vote, rule.
That is a major reason that cities have such enormous power inside of States.
I recall telling a “liberal” colleague about this. He said, “Oh No!” You have it backwards! the counties would not let the cities enact needed legislation! They were holding them back!
Sixties. Look up Reynolds v. Sims and Baker v. Carr.