The 2020 census found 14,538 people in the township.

[3] Located in the center of the county, it borders the following townships: Two municipalities are located in American Township: the village of Elida in the northwest, and part of the city of Lima, the county seat of Allen County, in the southeast.

The petition cited Anti-German sentiment as the primary reason for the request.

[4] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.