Public Land Survey System Explained

What is the defining characteristic of a township in the Public Land Survey System?

A) A township is the area enclosed by principal meridians and base parallels.

B) A township's sections are six miles apart.

C) There are 36 townships in a section.

D) There are 36 sections in a township.

Answer:

The correct statement is that there are 36 sections in a township, which is part of the Public Land Survey System.

Among the statements provided, the correct one is that there are 36 sections in a township. A township is a land division established for surveying and organizational purposes, not specifically the area enclosed by principal meridians and base parallels, which describes a larger survey framework within the Public Land Survey System (PLSS).

Under the PLSS, a township is defined as a square area six miles on each side, making a total area of 36 square miles. Each township is then further divided into 36 sections, each being one square mile, or 640 acres. Larger parcels beyond this division were more common in drier regions suitable for ranching, but the standard grid pattern across much of the United States still reflects these divisions.

The township and range system, significantly influenced by the Public Land Survey System and the Northwest Ordinances, illustrates the lasting impact of these early land policies.