Multidimensional Aspects of Local Political Systems: a Conceptual Approach To Public Policy

Abstract

THE LAST DECADE of political science research is characterized by the development of empirical theory.' behavioral mood and its emphasis on observable phenomena was the immediate predecessor of current attempts to develop systematic statements of relationships. normative philosopher was viewed as a consumer of the past, yet the early social science attempts to explain behavior were equally inadequate in their emphasis on raw empiricism. current renaissance of political theory attempts to build bridges between divergent schools of thought2 within a context of common concern for political action. In the process, conflicts over theory and methods, philosophy and empiricism, have seriously constrained our search for knowledge about local political systems. Research on local politics has progressed from a social engineering to a political analysis approach. Further developments await the meshing of approaches into theoretically meaningful, empirical statements about normative ends (public policy). reformist approach to local politics emphasized specialized reporting,4 and shortly before this decade we were able to categorize the literature on local systems into such classes as history, municipal reforms, law, government structure, politics (e.g., histories of partisan activity), management, and power.5 A category emphasizing empirical-theoretical concern for systematic statements of relationships was impossible. In 1957, Daland described this stage as follows: The technique is normally to describe existing governmental arrangements, measure them against a set of 'principles' or basic considerations, and prescribe a remedy which involves greater integration in one form or another. 6 need for comparative studies is now occupying political scientists,7 and there is an increasing concern for theoretical constructs.8 goal is to maximize