The concept of local government

The concept and essence of local government provide for a certain decentralization in power, a certain independence of local bodies. The industry itself began to form in Russia in the early 1990s. The definition of local (municipal) self-government was first consolidated in the Union and then Russian law. However, it should be noted that the formation of this branch of power began to some extent in Russia even before the revolution.

Thus, for example, Alexander II directed the city and zemstvo reform to decentralize and ensure the development of the principles of territorial regulation in the country, introducing the concept into the law.

Local self-government after 1917 was based on the principle of the unity of the Soviet system as a complex of state authorities. For this system was characterized by a strict subordination of the lower ones to the higher ones. The concept of local self-government was rejected as a bourgeois way of forming power on the ground. Such a path was completely unacceptable for the Soviet state, which had a centralized character. Only towards the end of the 1980s the government recognized the need to use the notion of local self-government. Thus, the reform of territorial power began.

In the Law adopted on April 9, 1990, general principles defining the concept of local self-government and the economy of the USSR were fixed. Thus, the main directions of development of this branch of power, the foundations of organization and activity, were established.

In 1991, the Law was passed, according to which the process of transformation of territorial bodies, the formation of the whole system of local authorities in the country, began.

The structure was further developed in the provisions of the Constitution of the state. Thus, the concept of local self-government was officially recognized . The system received legal status and legislative guarantees.

In accordance with Article 130 of the Constitution, through the structure of local self-government, the population resolves issues of territorial importance, as well as the use, disposal, ownership of municipal property.

This branch operates in rural, urban settlements, in other territories (in districts, rural districts). All these territorial units are called municipal formations.

Today, local government is a special level of implementation of power in the country.

According to Article 3 of the Constitution, citizens express their authority through state bodies, municipal bodies. In addition, the people can realize their will directly through elections, referendums and other forms of direct expression of will. State and municipal power, thus, are the forms of expression of democracy in the country.

Local self-government, characterized as a form of democracy, is enshrined in the Federal Law, reflecting the general principles of the formation of municipal power. In accordance with the law, this branch of government is guaranteed and recognized by the independent activities of the population to address issues of municipal importance. However, the text of the law contains an indication of the responsibility of the people for their decisions. The will of citizens can be exercised directly or through the bodies of territorial (municipal) self-government. The solution of issues of municipal importance is carried out in accordance with the interests of the people, its historical and other traditions.

This definition combines the most significant signs that characterize municipal power and its position in the whole system of the country's democracy.