What defines a charter city in Missouri?

In Missouri, a charter city is fundamentally distinguished by its own charter, which acts as a governing document and allows the city to create its own government structure that operates independently of state law. This means the charter city can exercise powers and make decisions that align with its unique circumstances, reflecting the specific needs and desires of its local population.

Charter cities typically have more autonomy over local matters compared to non-charter cities, which must adhere strictly to state-imposed regulations. This flexibility allows charter cities to establish their own policies regarding governance, taxation, and city services. By having the authority to draft and ratify their own charters, these cities can shape their governance in a way that best serves their residents, often making them more responsive to local issues.

The other options describe scenarios that do not encapsulate the unique autonomy and self-governance associated with charter cities. For example, a city governed only by local ordinances would lack the formal charter that defines its governance structure, and being governed only by federal law does not apply to local jurisdictions in the context of Missouri’s municipal governance.