Step 1. Research the structure of your local government.
How is the local government organized? Find an organizational chart. What are the responsibilities for each elected position?

What is the job of the Executive or mayor? How is this person elected?

How are council members elected?

Are their jobs full-time or part-time?

Do they represent districts or are they elected at large (by the entire electorate)?

How long is a term? Are there term limits?

Are the council positions partisan or nonpartisan? If they are partisan, what is the distribution of party membership?

Summarize the resumes and/or biographies of the county executive or mayor and one member of the County or City Council.

What are their similarities? Differences?

How much are they paid?

Social media and website(s)

Which social media platforms are used by the county or municipal government? Examine two or three recent postings. Why do you think these were selected?

Is the website user friendly? Why or why not?

Step 2. Research what the county or city council does.
When does the council meet?

What is one current major issue? Explain…

What is the problem that needs to be solved?

Is it controversial? Why or why not?

What is the estimated cost to address this

problem? Where will the money come from?