<P> A town meeting is a form of direct democratic rule, used primarily in portions of the United States--principally in New England--since the 17th century, in which most or all the members of a community come together to legislate policy and budgets for local government . This is a town - or city - level meeting where decisions are made, in contrast with town hall meetings held by state and national politicians to answer questions from their constituents, which have no decision - making power . </P> <P> Town meeting is a form of local government practiced in the U.S. region of New England since colonial times, and in some western states since at least the late 19th century . Typically conducted by New England towns, town meeting can also refer to meetings of other governmental bodies, such as school districts or water districts . While the uses and laws vary from state to state, the general form is for residents of the town or school district to gather once a year and act as a legislative body, voting on operating budgets, laws, and other matters for the community's operation over the following 12 months . </P>

Town meetings practiced in many small new england towns are examples of what