Springfield is the political nerve center of Illinois, one of the largest and most influential states in the nation. Here, state government is organized and functioning, legislation is debated, and laws are created. The capitol building is a flurry of legislative activity each fall and spring. In addition to being the state capital, Springfield also serves as the seat of Sangamon County. City government is alive here too, based on a strong mayoral aldermanic council.

A hub of Illinois political activity, the Springfield area is also widely associated with the life of Abraham Lincoln, and in fact became the state capital with the help of the young lawyer and politician who went on to became the 16^th president of the United States. Lincoln lived and worked in Springfield until his election in 1861, and from that moment on, the history and future of this most American community has been entwined with its most famous and beloved citizen.

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