History of Township Government
The history of township government traces its origins back to 1636 in Providence, Rhode Island, making it the oldest continuously functioning unit of government in North America. It existed for 140 years prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Notably, 38 of the 56 signers of the Declaration had firsthand experience with the benefits provided by township government.
The Declaration states that “government should derive its just powers from the consent of the governed,” a principle exemplified by the Annual Town Meeting, which takes place on the second Tuesday of April each year. This tradition remains a vital aspect of governance for over 17,000 townships across the nation, continuing for more than 360 years. The Illinois Constitution of 1848 enabled voters in each county to adopt township government, leading to the establishment of the first township governments by 1850. Presently, 85 out of 102 counties in Illinois operate under this system, serving a population of over 8 million residents through 1,426 townships.
Functions of Illinois Townships
Illinois townships are mandated by law to perform three primary functions:
- Provide general assistance to indigent individuals
- Assess real property for local taxation; and
- Maintain all roads and bridges outside of federal, state, and other local jurisdictions.
Township governments offer food, shelter, and emergency support to those in need until they are able to achieve self-sufficiency. Many townships operate food banks to ensure that essential resources are available, particularly for children.
Townships are tasked with determining the value of all real property within their jurisdiction. The township assessor is the only elected official required to complete state-approved courses in property assessment before seeking election.
Townships in Illinois are responsible for the maintenance of over 71,000 miles of roads, accounting for 53 percent of the state’s total roadways.
Other Services
In addition to the three mandated services, township government provides a range of essential services to the community. This may include programs for senior citizens and youth, support for individuals with disabilities, parks and recreational facilities, health services, and cemetery maintenance. In this capacity, township government effectively serves its residents throughout their lives.