The 4th Ward is one of the 50 aldermanic wards with representation in the City Council of Chicago, Illinois. It is divided into 52 election precincts. Lake Michigan is the ward's eastern boundary for much of its area. Its northwesternmost point, as of 2002, was located at the intersection of East 26th Street and South Prairie Avenue and its southeasternmost point at the intersection of East 55th Street and Lake Park Avenue.

The Chicago City Council is the legislative branch of the government of the City of Chicago in Illinois. It consists of 50 alderpersons elected from 50 wards to serve four-year terms. The council is called into session regularly, usually monthly, to consider ordinances, orders, and resolutions whose subject matter includes code changes, utilities, taxes, and many other issues. The Chicago City Council Chambers are located in Chicago City Hall, as are the downtown offices of the individual alderpersons and staff.