Local government : comparative aspects

Abstract

The possibility for citizens to influence decisions concerning their district environment is a characteristic of democratic forms of government. The principal machinery for exercising this influence is local government, constituting the level of government closest to the citizen. What is local government? What are the ends to be attained from a system of local government? Can these ends be equally achieved in the context of a centralized state? What is the legal nature and status of a local council? These questions, among others, are answered in chapter one which analyzes the concept of local government. Chapter two considers the variable features of diverse systems of local government. A broad classification of the basic systems is attempted, with particular emphasis being laid on the Western European dimension of local government. The question of designating local government areas is discussed in chapter three. Some of the major criteria for the territorial organization and delimitation of such areas are reviewed. This chapter also dwells on the need for the protection of local authority boundaries and for the setting out of procedures for consultation with local authorities before effecting alterations to such boundaries.