. Township government is the oldest form of government in the State of Ohio predating even the State government itself. All land grants, except the Virginia Military Lands, were surveyed into Townships either five or six miles square. As the Ohio Territory became populated, it was natural that the surveyed Townships should become the basic unit of local government. Today, just as in 1804, the Township in Ohio is a political subdivision of the state, as such, it has only those powers granted to it by the state legislature, and performs the functions as directed by the state. Township government is the grassroots of the community. Because of Township officials' intimate knowledge of the community, its needs, and its people. Township government offers more personal service, more attention to individual needs and a better understanding of local problems than any other unit of government. It does this at less cost and with a minimum of red tape, because it is closest to those it serves.