The Prefeitura do Rio, is the Municipal government, constituted of the Mayor, 50 elected Councilors, and Municipal Secretaries.

The council is also obligated to be represented by various sectors of civil society - cultural, environmental, health, judicial and educational organizations.

The municipality of Rio is divided into 160 neighborhoods, which are all represented by a single prefeitura, which can make its own laws, provided they do not conflict with state or federal laws.

The councils have legislative power and are known as the legislative branch, Their role is to modify, maintain and propose laws as well as supervise the work of the municipal organs.

Councilors meet at the City Hall in Centro to debate and vote on laws, while the Legislative Assembly of Rio (ALERJ) is in Tiradentes Palace, in Praça XV.