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. The term has more recently been
expanded to cover public meetings that draw people in a
geographic area to discuss issues but not vote on any
legislative or administrative action. Notably, the term is
commonly used by politicians in the United States to describe
forums at which voters can ask questions. In the United States
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