Away from the center of power, the party operated effectively on a regional and local basis. A rare insight into almost every aspect of regional life is provided by the archives of the NIDS, which cover the three northern governorates of Arbil, Duhok, and Suleimaniyya. Together with the BRCC, these archives enable us to understand how these party branches functioned and their structure, activities, finances, membership, and internal elections. Certain important branch functions, such as recruiting informers, building the cult personality of the president, or managing the local economy, are elaborated on in other chapters. Although the branches were the roof organization for the sections and divisions, the cells were the grass roots, which had to spread and expand so as to provide the cadre for the hierarchical organs of the party. Among the cells’ numerous tasks were to implement the party's policies; supervise candidates and educate them politically and culturally; collect donations from candidates, supporters, and friends; and establish ties with the local population to gauge their needs and convey them to the party.

Branches were continually evaluated and compared with one another by using information collated from their own reports of their efforts in five different categories: organizational activities, cultural events, relations with the public, political and security operations, and financial procedures.