What is a municipality?

A municipality is defined as a specific town, city, or village that operates under a form of local government, typically overseen by elected officials such as a mayor or a council. This governance structure provides the municipality with authority to enact local laws, manage services, and maintain a degree of autonomy from higher levels of government. The emphasis on local governance is a critical characteristic, as it allows for administration tailored to the unique needs of the community it serves.

In contrast, the other options mentioned refer to different geographic or governmental concepts. A large rural area does not imply the presence of an organized governance structure typical of municipalities, while a type of state suggests a broader classification of a region or political entity rather than a localized governing body. Lastly, a federal district refers to a specific area under the jurisdiction of a national government, such as Washington D.C., which differs from the localized authority of a municipality. Therefore, the definition of a municipality is best captured by its role as a governed entity at the town, city, or village level.