Michigan has 1,242 townships, and these govern the vast majority of Michigan’s land area. Over forty-five percent of Michigan’s residents live in townships.

Thomas Jefferson first created townships, before Michigan became a state. Andrew Jackson’s strong belief in a direct democracy influenced government structure even more. Many of these ideals continue in today’s townships.

Townships are a great example of "Grassroots Government". Township officials live in the communities they serve. The amount of taxes they can levy are limited by law, and these interested citizens are creative about delivering quality services to residents as affordably as possible. Many dedicated residents contribute their skills, ideas, and energies to serve their local township governments.

So, what’s a "Charter" Township? The Charter Township Act, P.A. 359 of 1947, provides additional authority for Charter townships. This act, as amended, permits a township with a population of at least 2,000 to incorporate as a Charter township with additional authority to perform certain governmental functions. The Charter of such a township is contained within the statute, which is detailed and comprehensive. It is uniform for all Charter townships and cannot be altered by local election or otherwise.

The statute gives Charter townships all the authority granted to general law townships and permits the same organization of township boards, commissions and officers. In addition, it authorizes the appointment of a township superintendent with specified optional powers and (if Charter township incorporation is voted by the electorate) a general tax of up to 5 mills for municipal purposes. A qualifying Charter township is also substantially immune from annexation by a city.

Pere Marquette became a Charter Township in 1972. Today, there are approximately 125 Charter townships in Michigan.