In Rhode Island, as in most of New England, the laws regulating municipal authority are very broadly construed.
Thus, Rhode Island towns have the form, if not the substance, of home rule, with powers comparable to those that a city in other states would normally have.
Cities are simply municipalities that acquired their charter through a special act of the Rhode Island General Assembly.
In addition, cities and towns in Rhode Island also perform functions commonly assigned to counties in other states.
With a few exceptions, the city and town governments of Rhode Island are generally responsible for education management within their jurisdiction.
The Rhode Island General Assembly consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.