Territorial collectivity

A territorial collectivity (French:collectivité territoriale, previously collectivité locale) is a chartered subdivision with recognized governing authority, often referred to in English as a "territorial authority". In France, Territorial Collectivity is the generic name for any territorial subdivision with an elective form of local government and local regulatory authority. The nature of a French Territorial Collectivity is set forth in Article 72 of the French constitution) of 1958 which provides for local autonomy within limits proscribed by law.