:: Grafton Township History ::
:: Grafton Township ::
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copyright 2007 Grafton Township
WHAT IS TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT?
Township government is one of the earliest forms of government in North America, established in
March, 1629. There are some that consider the charter of 1629 the most important document in the
history of this country. Various types of charters were granted. One of these was in 1636 for
Providence, Rhode Island. Roger Williams established the town of Providence as a self-governing
municipality or village, forming the type of government we now call the township. Therefore, 140
years before the American Revolution, town or township government was an established, functional
unit of government in almost the same form in which it operates today.
Thirty-eight of the fifty-six men who signed the declaration of independence had grown-up and
received benefits of township government. It is little wonder that when this new nation began to
move west, the concept of township government went with them.
Township government is one of the oldest forms of government in the State of Illinois, originating
when the Illinois State Constitution of 1849 provided for the organization of townships as units of
civil government.
Many historians believe the township system to be the most democratic form of civil government.
It is often referred to as the type of government closest to the people. Citizens have a direct voice in
the affairs of their government and they are encouraged to express themselves.
Township history reflects the basic values of our forefathers. We are proud to carry on the tradition.
Township government is one of the earliest forms of government in North America, established in
March, 1629. There are some that consider the charter of 1629 the most important document in the
history of this country. Various types of charters were granted. One of these was in 1636 for
Providence, Rhode Island. Roger Williams established the town of Providence as a self-governing
municipality or village, forming the type of government we now call the township. Therefore, 140
years before the American Revolution, town or township government was an established, functional
unit of government in almost the same form in which it operates today.
Thirty-eight of the fifty-six men who signed the declaration of independence had grown-up and
received benefits of township government. It is little wonder that when this new nation began to
move west, the concept of township government went with them.
Township government is one of the oldest forms of government in the State of Illinois, originating
when the Illinois State Constitution of 1849 provided for the organization of townships as units of
civil government.
Many historians believe the township system to be the most democratic form of civil government.
It is often referred to as the type of government closest to the people. Citizens have a direct voice in
the affairs of their government and they are encouraged to express themselves.
Township history reflects the basic values of our forefathers. We are proud to carry on the tradition.