An important part of this local government consisted of town meetings, where every citizen had the right of free discussion on public issues. Today townships continue to hold Annual Town Meetings on the second Tuesday in March. This early form of Township government played a significant role in the development of democracy in America.

In 1785, after having acquired the land known as the Northwest Territory, Congress provided for a survey of all of this land via the Land Ordinance of 1785 and later for the establishment of the government with the passing of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. The Land Ordinance called for the dividing of the land into 6 square mile parcels called "townships" or "six by six's".

As to the "form of government," many of the early pioneers to this region were from the northeastern states where Township government was the most popular governmental unit. These early settlers brought not only energy and spirit to the growing towns and cities of the Midwest but also enthusiasm for the township form of local government.

Towns are public corporations. Minn. Stat. 365.02. Both cities and towns are considered general purpose local governments because they, unlike special districts created for a specific purpose, have been grated the authority to serve the broad based needs of their residents. The constitution not only provides for the establishment of local governments, but also allows the legislature to provide by law for their "FUNCTIONS", Thus the legislature tells local government what they can, cannot and must do. Understanding which powers have been granted to towns is very important in recognizing the role of town government in the overall government in the State of Minnesota.

Town government is often criticized for being too small and too close to the people they serve. (neighbors making decisions regarding their neighbors). Rather than being a weakness, this represents a strength. Government that is close to the people and understands the needs of the community is more responsive and accountable. How much more difficult is it to be elected when the people voting know you personally instead of what they have read on a flyer or in a newspaper article, How much more thought must go into a decision when you know it will directly affect a neighbor and will be closely watched by other neighbors who may be opposed to what is being requested. Such situations are not easy, but making decisions on behalf of a community should be taken seriously, and important decisions should be tough to make.