Which term describes a city with a charter that governs it and provides self-government?

• A. Home-rule city
• B. General-law city
• C. Metropolitan city
• D. Rural city

Answer: (A)

A city that has its own charter granting local self-government operates under a system where the municipality can govern itself with broad authority, much like a local constitution. This is known as a home-rule city, where the charter specifies the structure of government and the powers to enact ordinances, manage budgets, and provide services, within the bounds of the state constitution and laws. The term general-law city describes a place that relies solely on state statutes for its powers, with limited or no authority beyond what the state explicitly allows. Metropolitan and rural city describe geographic or population characteristics rather than the legal framework for self-government.