Legal Definitions - township

A "township" is a term with two primary meanings in legal and governmental contexts:

• As a land survey unit: In the United States, particularly under the Public Land Survey System (PLSS), a township refers to a specific square tract of land. This unit measures six miles on each side, encompassing a total area of thirty-six square miles. This system was historically used to divide and organize land for sale and settlement, especially in the western and midwestern states.
• As a local government entity: In many states, a township also functions as a civil and political subdivision of a county. In this sense, it is a form of local government, often responsible for providing specific services to its residents, such as road maintenance, zoning, or local elections, within its defined geographical boundaries. The precise powers and responsibilities of a township government can vary significantly by state.

Examples:

• Imagine a historical map of Ohio from the early 19th century, showing how vast tracts of land were systematically divided for new settlers. You would see large areas sectioned into a precise grid, where each square, measuring exactly six miles by six miles, represents a distinct township for surveying purposes. This standardized division helped the federal government manage and distribute land efficiently.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the first meaning of a township as a fixed, geographical unit of land measurement, used for surveying and organizing territory, rather than as a political body.

• In rural New Jersey, residents living outside of an incorporated city or borough might rely on their local "Green Valley Township" government for services. This township could be responsible for maintaining local roads, operating a community park, providing snow removal, and holding elections for its own board of supervisors, who oversee these local functions within the township's boundaries.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates the second meaning, where a township acts as a functional unit of local government, providing specific services and having elected officials within a defined geographic area that is part of a larger county.