Charter township status is a special township classification created by the Michigan Legislature in 1947 to provide additional powers and streamlined administration for governing a growing community. A primary motivation for townships to adopt the charter form is to provide greater protection against annexation by a city. As of March 2007, 137 Michigan townships have opted to become charter townships.

The State of Michigan contains 1,242 townships, which vary considerably in geographical size and population. Based on 2000 U.S. Census figures, township population in Michigan varies from 10 to 95,648 people.

Township government is conducted by a township board consisting of either five or seven members—a supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and two or four trustees—which is determined by the desires of the township residents, whether the township has a population of over 3,000 or 5,000 registered electors, and if the township has charter status. The township board may also hire a manager, assessor, police or fire chief, superintendent, and other personnel to properly and efficiently operate the township.