Bylaw vs. Charter: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
A bylaw is a rule established by an organization to regulate itself, while a charter is a formal document outlining an organization's rights, privileges, and structure.
Key Differences
A bylaw is a rule or regulation made by an organization, such as a corporation or a municipality, to govern its internal affairs. These rules are often detailed and specific, covering aspects like meeting procedures, membership criteria, and the duties of officers. By contrast, a charter is a formal document that establishes an organization and outlines its fundamental principles and structure. It serves as a foundational legal document, detailing the organization’s purpose, rights, and obligations.
Bylaws are typically created and amended by the organization itself through a formal process, often involving a vote by its members or board of directors. This allows the organization to adapt its rules to changing circumstances. On the other hand, a charter is usually granted by a higher authority, such as a government or a parent organization, and changing it often requires approval from that authority, making it less flexible but more authoritative.
In terms of scope, bylaws tend to focus on the day-to-day operations and management details of the organization. They are specific and procedural, ensuring that the organization functions smoothly. Conversely, a charter provides a broad framework for the organization’s existence and governance, establishing its overall mission, powers, and limitations.
While both documents are essential for the functioning of an organization, bylaws are more operational, whereas a charter is more foundational. The charter can be seen as the constitution of the organization, setting the stage for its existence, while the bylaws act as the laws that govern its day-to-day functioning.
A charter often includes the organization’s name, purpose, and powers, whereas bylaws detail the rules for managing the organization, including meeting schedules, voting rights, and responsibilities of officers. Both documents work together to ensure the organization operates within its legal and intended framework.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Regulates internal affairs
Establishes rights and structure
Creation
By the organization itself
Granted by a higher authority
Flexibility
Easier to amend
More rigid, harder to change
Scope
Day-to-day operations
Foundational principles
Content
Detailed rules and procedures
Broad mission and powers
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Bylaw and Charter Definitions
Bylaw
A regulation made by an organization to govern its own activities.
The board voted to amend the bylaw regarding meeting frequency.
Charter
A legal document granting certain rights and privileges to an organization.
The city received its charter from the state government.
Bylaw
A detailed rule controlling the internal management of an organization.
According to the bylaws, a quorum is required to hold a vote.
Charter
An official written document that creates and defines an institution.
The corporate charter was filed with the Secretary of State.
Bylaw
A specific, codified regulation for organizational governance.
Members must comply with the club’s bylaws to maintain good standing.
Charter
A document that sets forth the principles and structure of an organization.
The charter outlines the powers of the board of trustees.
Bylaw
A rule set by a corporation or municipality for local governance.
The new bylaw prohibits parking on Main Street after midnight.
Charter
A document issued by a sovereign, legislature, or other authority, creating a public or private corporation, such as a city, college, or bank, and defining its privileges and purposes.
Bylaw
A law or rule governing the internal affairs of an organization.
Charter
A written grant from the sovereign power of a country conferring certain rights and privileges on a person, a corporation, or the people
A royal charter exempted the Massachusetts colony from direct interference by the Crown.
Bylaw
A secondary law.
Charter
A document outlining the principles, functions, and organization of a corporate body; a constitution
The city charter.
Bylaw
A local custom or law of a settlement or district.
Charter
An authorization from a central organization to establish a local branch or chapter.
Bylaw
A rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs.
Charter
Special privilege or immunity.
Bylaw
A law or rule governing the internal affairs of an organization (e.g., corporation or business).
Charter
A contract for the commercial leasing of a vessel or space on a vessel.
Bylaw
A rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs
Charter
The hiring or leasing of an aircraft, vessel, or other vehicle, especially for the exclusive, temporary use of a group of travelers.
Bylaw
An internal rule created by an organization’s board of directors.
The bylaws specify the responsibilities of each officer.
Charter
A written instrument given as evidence of agreement, transfer, or contract; a deed.
Charter
Of, relating to, or being an arrangement in which transportation is leased by a group of travelers for their exclusive, temporary use.
Charter
To grant a charter to; establish by charter.
Charter
To hire or lease by charter
Charter an oil tanker.
Charter
To hire (a bus or airplane, for example) for the exclusive, temporary use of a group of travelers.
Charter
A document issued by some authority, creating a public or private institution, and defining its purposes and privileges.
Charter
A similar document conferring rights and privileges on a person, corporation etc.
Charter
A contract for the commercial leasing of a vessel, or space on a vessel.
Charter
The temporary hiring or leasing of a vehicle.
Charter
A deed legal contract.
Charter
A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.
Charter
A provision whose unintended consequence would be to encourage an undesirable activity
Charter
Leased or hired.
Charter
(transitive) To grant or establish a charter.
Charter
(transitive) To lease or hire something by charter.
Charter
(of a peace officer) To inform (an arrestee) of their constitutional rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms upon arrest.
Charter
A written evidence in due form of things done or granted, contracts made, etc., between man and man; a deed, or conveyance.
Charter
An instrument in writing, from the sovereign power of a state or country, executed in due form, bestowing rights, franchises, or privileges.
The king [John, a.d. 1215], with a facility somewhat suspicious, signed and sealed the charter which was required of him. This famous deed, commonly called the "Great Charter," either granted or secured very important liberties and privileges to every order of men in the kingdom.
Charter
An act of a legislative body creating a municipal or other corporation and defining its powers and privileges. Also, an instrument in writing from the constituted authorities of an order or society (as the Freemasons), creating a lodge and defining its powers.
Charter
A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.
My mother,Who has a charter to extol her blood,When she does praise me, grieves me.
Charter
The letting or hiring a vessel by special contract, or the contract or instrument whereby a vessel is hired or let; as, a ship is offered for sale or charter. See Charter party, below.
Charter
To establish by charter.
Charter
A document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
Charter
A contract to hire or lease transportation
Charter
Hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
Charter
Grant a charter to
Charter
Engage for service under a term of contract;
We took an apartment on a quiet street
Let's rent a car
Shall we take a guide in Rome?
Charter
A formal document that outlines the rights and duties of an organization.
The university’s charter was established in 1845.
Charter
A foundational document that establishes an organization.
The NGO's charter defines its mission and goals.
FAQs
What is a charter?
A formal document that establishes an organization and outlines its rights and structure.
Who creates bylaws?
Bylaws are created by the organization itself, typically through a vote by its members or board.
What is a bylaw?
A rule or regulation made by an organization to govern its internal affairs.
Can bylaws be easily amended?
Yes, bylaws can generally be amended by the organization through a formal process.
Can a charter be easily changed?
No, changing a charter often requires approval from the authority that issued it.
What is the scope of bylaws?
Bylaws focus on the day-to-day operations and management details of an organization.
What details are included in bylaws?
Bylaws include detailed rules such as meeting procedures, voting rights, and officer duties.
Are bylaws legally binding?
Yes, bylaws are legally binding on the organization’s members.
Who issues a charter?
A charter is usually issued by a higher authority such as a government or parent organization.
What is the scope of a charter?
A charter provides a broad framework for the organization’s existence and governance.
Is a charter legally binding?
Yes, a charter is a legally binding document that grants rights and privileges.
How do charters differ from constitutions?
Charters establish organizations, while constitutions outline the fundamental principles of governance.
What happens if a charter is violated?
Violating a charter can lead to legal consequences or revocation of the organization’s rights.
What details are included in a charter?
A charter includes the organization’s name, purpose, powers, and limitations.
Can a charter exist without bylaws?
Yes, but bylaws are often necessary for detailed governance and operations.
Why is a charter important?
It establishes the legal existence and foundational principles of an organization.
How do bylaws differ from policies?
Bylaws are formal rules for governance, whereas policies are guidelines for actions.
What happens if bylaws are violated?
Violating bylaws can result in penalties or sanctions within the organization.
Can bylaws exist without a charter?
Typically, bylaws are created after an organization is established by a charter.
Why are bylaws important?
They ensure the smooth functioning of an organization’s internal affairs.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
