Which legal document typically governs the actions and organization of a local government?

The governing document for a local government is typically a charter. A charter serves as a foundational and authoritative document that outlines the structure, powers, and limitations of the local government entity. It is akin to a constitution for municipalities, granting them the ability to exercise self-governance and establish their own administrative frameworks.

Charters can stipulate various important aspects, such as how officials are elected, the powers of different government branches, and specific responsibilities assigned to local agencies. In many instances, a charter is also essential in expressing the rights and responsibilities of local citizens concerning their government.

While a constitution provides the overarching legal framework for a nation or state and statutes offer laws enacted by legislative bodies, they do not specifically focus on the unique structure and governance of local entities. Resolutions, on the other hand, are formal expressions of the opinions or decisions of governing bodies and do not serve the definitional purpose of establishing the organization of local government. Thus, while all these documents play significant roles in the legal landscape, the charter is explicitly crafted to govern local governments and their operations.