Local Political Structure, Administrative Capacity, and Revenue Policy Choice

Abstract

Questions about how local politi cal structure relates to public pol icy have generated enduring con troversy among academics and practitioners. Most studies on the subject have been con ducted at the municipal level and have result ed in mixed findings (Lineberry and Fowler 1967; Lyons 1978; Morgan and Pelissero 1980; Clingermayer and Feiock 2001). Pro ponents of municipal reform assert that it has led to lower taxes and expenditures because local governments are able to increase ef ficiency through professional management adapted from business practices (Lineberry and Fowler 1967; Lyons 1978). At the county level, some studies have demonstrated that certain political structures or forms of government result in significant increases in service delivery and expenditures and alter growth management activities (Ben ton 2002b; 2003b; Park 1996; Schneider and Park 1989; Feiock and Tavares 2002). Others contend that local political structure does not