Los Angeles is the biggest city in the state of California and number two in the United States with an estimated population of more than 3.5 million in 2006. The city is the seat of Los Angeles County, which has more residents than any other county in the country. With such a large population and a widespread infrastructure, a strong, effective municipal government is essential.

The government is comprised of the following main offices: mayor; city council members; and a city controller. There are also executive directors for various city departments.

The most important personage is the mayor, who is titled the chief executive officer of the city. He or she can serve for a four-year term, and by law cannot serve more than two terms. Antonio Villaraigosa, the current mayor, is the 52nd person to serve in that office in the city of Los Angeles.

Of note, the city does not have a city manager position, thus putting much more responsibility in the mayor's office. He has the power to appoint managers and commissioners, and to remove officials from their posts. While typically the appointments are voted on by the city council, the mayor retains veto power.

Next in line is the Los Angeles City Council, the governing body. The council meets regularly in City Hall on specific days of the week. It is comprised of 15 members from 15 administrative districts. Each one is elected to a 4-year term. They are the highest-paid city council members in the country, and enjoy perks like a free car.

The Department of Water and Power is the biggest municipal utility in the U.S., serving 3.9 million Los Angeles residents in 2006. It was founded way back in 1902.

The position of city controller functions as the city's auditor and chief accounting officer. Along with the mayor and city attorney, the position is chosen by popular vote every four years. The job began in 1878 as the city auditor.

As far as community involvement in government, neighborhood councils were enacted in 1999. They were designed to promote public participation in government, with the aim of making it more responsive to local needs.