Civil township

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A civil township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to a county. Civil townships are distinct from survey townships, which are used for land surveying purposes. The specific responsibilities and powers of civil townships vary by state, but they generally include the administration of local services such as road maintenance, land use planning, and sometimes local law enforcement.

History

The concept of the civil township originated in the early colonial period, particularly in New England, where it was used as a basic unit of local government. The system spread westward with the expansion of the United States, adapting to the needs of different regions.

Structure and Governance

Civil townships are governed by a township board or board of trustees, which typically consists of elected officials such as a township supervisor, township clerk, and township treasurer. Some townships may also have additional elected or appointed officials, such as assessors and constables.

Functions

The functions of a civil township can include:

• Maintenance of local roads and bridges
• Land use planning and zoning
• Administration of local welfare programs
• Collection of property taxes
• Provision of emergency services, such as fire protection and emergency medical services

Variations by State

The role and importance of civil townships vary significantly from state to state. In some states, such as Michigan and Illinois, townships play a crucial role in local governance. In others, such as California, the township system has been largely replaced by other forms of local government.

Related Pages

• County (United States)
• Municipality
• Survey township
• Township (United States)
• Local government in the United States

See Also

• List of townships in the United States
• Township (Canada)