What is meant by the term municipality?

The term "municipality" refers specifically to a local government entity that is responsible for administering a defined geographic area, typically a city or town. It is the basic form of local government and has the authority to make decisions on a variety of local issues, such as zoning, public services, and community regulations. The concept of a municipality emphasizes the local aspect of governance, allowing residents to have a direct impact on their community.

In this context, identifying a municipality as a local municipality highlights its role as a governing body at the community level, distinctly separate from larger governmental structures like states or federal governments. It encompasses both the physical area that the municipality covers and the governing authority that operates within that area.