Municipal charter

A city charter or town charter (generically, municipal charter) is a legal document (charter) establishing a municipality such as a city or town. The concept developed in Europe during the Middle Ages.

Traditionally, the granting of a charter gave a

.

Today, the process for granting is determined by the type of government of the state in question. In monarchies, charters are still often a royal charter given by the Crown or the authorities acting on behalf of the Crown. In federations, the granting of charters may be within the jurisdiction of the lower level of government, such as a province.

Canada

In Canada, charters are granted by provincial authorities.

Germany

Philippines

Since the beginning of American colonial rule, Philippines cities were formally established through laws enacted by the various national legislatures in the country. The

within the proposed city's jurisdiction to ratify the city's charter.

Sweden

In Sweden until 1951, cities were established by royal charter.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, cities are established by royal charter.

United States

In the

law, usually after the proposed charter has passed a referendum vote of the affected population.

A municipal charter is the basic document that defines the organization, powers, functions and essential procedures of the city government. The charter is, therefore, the most important legal document of any city.[1] Municipalities without charters, in states where such exist, are known as general-law municipalities or cities.

See also

• Town

References

Further reading

• Winfield, P.H., The charter of San Francisco (The fortnightly review Vol. 157-58:2 (1945), p. 69-75)
• Roger L. Kemp, "Model Government Charters: A City, County, Regional, State, and Federal Handbook" (2007), McFarland and Co., Inc., Jefferson, NC, and London, ENG. (
  ISBN 978-0-7864-3154-0
  )
• Roger L. Kemp "
  ISBN 9780-7864-4210-2
  )

External links