As of 2002, Rhode Island was subdivided into eight municipalities and 31 townships, the main units of local government. As of 2003, there were four public school districts and 75 special districts.
Many smaller communities retain the New England town meeting form of government, under which the town's eligible voters assemble to enact the local budget, set the tax levy, and approve other local measures. Larger cities and towns are governed by a mayor and/or city manager and a council.