Legislative authority is vested in the City Council, which is composed of eight aldermen or women elected to four-year terms by the residents of the Ward within which the respective alderman/woman resides. The City Council has management and control of the city's finances and property. The City Council has the power to adopt ordinances and regulations consistent with state and federal law for the good government, preservation of good order, benefit of trade and commerce, protection of the quality of life within the city, and, as necessary, to carry out the purposes of the government of the City of Laurel.