City Charter

A city charter is a document (similar to a constitution) which outlines the structure and processes of a city’s government and identifies the powers and limitations.^[1]

States vary as to the extent a city can have a charter, or what it is allowed to do. For example, Texas strictly limits the powers of a city, until the city reaches a population of 5,000, at which time it can petition for and vote on a charter (the charter, however, cannot be inconsistent with either the Texas Constitution or the general laws of the state^[2]; should the population subsequently fall below 5,000 the charter remains in effect).

References[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/planning/areaplans/DynamiteFoothills/glossary.asp
2. ↑ Some of the more liberal cities in Texas have attempted to pass laws, such as plastic bag bans or oil and gas drilling restrictions, which has then required the Texas Legislature to pass general laws banning cities from doing so.