How did the Municipal Ordinance give Prussian towns local self-government?

Stein’s Municipal Ordinance (Städteordnung) of November 19, 1808, was a foundational reform that introduced local self-government to Prussian urban communes. It established a clear distinction between salaried executive officials—specifically the mayor and the magistrate—and the town councils. By creating this structure, the ordinance enabled towns to manage their own local affairs largely through their own citizenry, fostering a sense of civic-mindedness and community spirit.1

While this reform granted significant autonomy, it is important to note that the ordinance did not grant absolute independence to all municipalities; the greater towns remained under the supervision of a police president who was directly responsible to the minister of the interior. This initiative was part of Stein's broader effort to create an organic relationship between the population and the government, encouraging citizens to participate responsibly in state affairs.1