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Three branches, three jobs

Makes the rules

The legislature writes the laws. In Tennessee that's 99 representatives and 33 senators.

Carries them out

The executive branch runs things day to day — the Governor, the Mayor, the agencies.

Decides what they mean

The courts settle disagreements about what a law actually says.

SourceUnderstand Government · Tennessee Constitution· verified July 13, 2026

Meet the roles

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Metro Council Member

One of 40 people who write Nashville's local laws and pass the Metro budget.

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School Board Member

Oversees the public school system. Selects and evaluates the director of schools and approves the school system budget.

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Sheriff

The county's chief law enforcement officer. In Davidson County the core, exclusive duty is running the jail.

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Register of Deeds

The county's custodian of legal documents — deeds, mortgages and liens on property.

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Tennessee State Representative

One of 99 people who write Tennessee's laws. Every seat, every two years.

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Criminal Court Clerk

Keeps and manages the official records of the criminal courts in Davidson County.

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SourceOffices · Tennessee Code Annotated & Metro Charter· verified July 13, 2026

Who decides this where you live?

Pick something you care about.

City · levies the tax

Metro Council Member

One of 40 people who write Nashville's local laws and pass the Metro budget.

City · proposes the budget

Metropolitan Mayor

The chief executive of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

SourceWho Controls This? · Metro Charter & Tennessee Code Annotated· verified July 13, 2026