In municipal government, a charter is best described as

• A. The governing document that outlines a home rule city's structure and powers.
• B. An organizational policy manual for a city department.
• C. A resolution passed by the city council.
• D. A state statute governing municipalities.

Answer: (A)

A charter serves as the city's local constitution, establishing the form of government, the powers the city can exercise, and how those powers are organized and exercised. It describes the structure—such as a mayor-council or council-manager system—the roles of elected officials, and the procedures for elections, appointments, and terms. It also covers how the charter can be amended and how the city operates within the framework of state law. It is not an internal policy manual for departments, nor is it merely a council resolution, and it is distinct from state statutes that govern municipalities—the charter is the city's own governing document, binding as long as it remains in effect and aligned with state authority.