• In most cases, city governments are formed with the adoption of a charter by their people.city #2 image by krynio from Fotolia.com
  
  Generally speaking, a city charter is a governing document that forms a city or town government. It lays out the basic structure of the government, much as a constitution might do for a nation or state, and provides a description of the municipal powers. Most charters are prepared in accordance with state laws that govern the structure and limits of a municipal government.
  
  

Names, Incorporation and Boundaries

• A city charter often ordains the name of the city, its initial or revised boundaries, and its date of incorporation. This section is usually at the head of the charter, as the name of a corporation might lead its governing document. The position of the incorporation, name, and boundaries section of a charter is not entirely important, but it should be present to establish the city's most basic existence. Boundaries of a city are not always described legally in a charter, but adopted by reference to an initial ordinance or existing map. This helps cities avoid having to revise their charters whenever new land is annexed or acquired by the city.
  
  

Municipal Government Powers

• Like constitutions, city charters establish the necessary powers of the municipal governments. Some charters may also put limits on the extent of government powers--ascribing tax limits or public process requirements to all municipal laws. Municipal governments typically are empowered by their charter to make laws for their jurisdiction and enforce them, as well as collect taxes from their citizens to provide for government services. Other charters merely reference state constitutions or state laws that describe the powers of municipal governments.
  
  

Structure or Form of Government

• The form of city government is usually described or adopted in their city charter.marteau image by photlook from Fotolia.com
  
  City charters should include the outline of the basic structure of the municipal government, or at least adopt an existing structure as described in state law. There are multiple possible ways of constructing a city government. Most mimic the three-branch structure of the federal or state government in the United States, establishing a mayoral executive, a city council legislature, and a system of municipal courts. The specific powers permitted to each branch might vary, and some cities rest more powers with one branch than another.