The City of Saratoga operates under a Council-Manager form of government as a general law city of the State of California. The City Council consists of five members elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The position of Mayor is largely ceremonial and rotates annually among the council members.
The city relies on a lean municipal structure, contracting with outside agencies for several major public services to maximize efficiency. Law enforcement is provided by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, and fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
At the state level, Saratoga is represented in the California State Assembly and the California State Senate by regional districts. At the federal level, it falls within California's congressional districts representing the Silicon Valley and Santa Clara County area.