Final answer:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2012, there were 89,004 local governments in the United States, including over 19,500 municipal governments and nearly 16,500 township governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2008, the U.S. Bureau of the Census reported that there were a large number of American governments. Specifically, according to a release by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2012, there were 89,004 local governments in the United States. This figure includes a variety of governmental forms ranging from municipal to township governments, with over 19,500 municipal and nearly 16,500 township governments. These local governments play a crucial role in overseeing the operation and functions of cities and towns across the country.