Also known as charter government. A system of self-governance for local government authorized in the state constitution or by statute. Home rule local governments usually have a voter-approved charter that establishes the form of government, the organizational structure, and acts as the highest law for the jurisdiction.

Home rule authorizes a local government to act in any way not inconsistent with the state constitution, state law, or the charter. Courts generally presume a home rule jurisdiction is authorized to act unless the act is specifically prohibited by state law or charter.

Another system of local governance is Dillon's Rule.