The City of Chicago operates under a Mayor-Council system of government.
* **Executive:** The Mayor serves as the chief executive, elected to a four-year term without term limits. The Mayor directs city departments and appoints key officials. * **Legislative:** The Chicago City Council serves as the legislative body, consisting of 50 alderpersons, each representing one of the city's 50 wards. * **Jurisdiction:** Chicago is the county seat of Cook County. Residents are also served by specialized governmental bodies, such as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the Chicago Park District, and Chicago Public Schools (CPS). * **Politics:** The city is a historic stronghold for the Democratic Party. * **Services:** Public services include a massive sanitation and water management system, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), and the Chicago Fire Department (CFD).