Analysis of Political and Legal Models of Local Self-Government

Abstract

This article is devoted to the theoretical analysis of political and legal models of the organization of local self-government and aims to identify the main components of the model of local self-government in Russia, as well as to identifying points of growth and development. The theoretical basis of the research was formed by the theory of free community, social and economic theory, state theory of local government, as well as the dualism theory. The existing models of local self-government: Anglo-Saxon, Continental, and German were analyzed. In addition to the analysis of local self-government concepts, examples of states applying different governance models were also considered. The analysis highlighted the key characteristics of each model, as well as some features of their application in the contemporary context. It was argued that an important element of local governance, which is recognized in each model, as well as in “mixed” models, is a high level of trust and participatory activity on the part of citizens. Having analyzed the theoretical foundations of local self-government, as well as the experience of applying different models of governance in different countries, the author came to the conclusion that the combination of principles of different concepts and models of local governance is relevant in the conditions of globalization, as well as changes in social and political institutions. Today, in young democracies, including Russia, public administrators, citizens, and public organizations face an important question in search of an optimal model of governance at the local level. Forming a sustainable and effective system of local selfgovernment supposes that the principle of individual approach to subjects and settlements can play a key role. The main importance here is the emphasis on the formation of practices of trust and civic participation. These are the key points of growth and development of the emerging model of local governance. The development of civic participation and trust contributes to the efficiency of budget spending, solidarity and responsibility of citizens and their interest in solving the problems of the local community.