As an autonomous community, the region is governed by its own regional government, known as the Government of the Community of Madrid (Gobierno de la Comunidad de Madrid).
- **Executive Branch:** Led by the President of the Community of Madrid, who is elected by the regional parliament. The President appoints a cabinet of counselors (Consejeros) to oversee various departments such as health, education, and transport. - **Legislative Branch:** The Madrid Assembly (Asamblea de Madrid) is a unicameral regional parliament whose members are elected every four years by universal suffrage. - **Administrative Divisions:** Unlike many other Spanish regions, Madrid is a single-province community. It is subdivided into 179 distinct municipalities, each governed by a local city or town council (Ayuntamiento) headed by a mayor. - **Public Services:** The regional government is responsible for managing major public services, including the public healthcare system (SERMAS) and the education system.
