Local And Central Government

This book examines the connection between central-local government relations and the transition of contemporary China, the urbanization process and social development. Based on empirical investigations and theoretical research, it argues that this is the key to understanding the transition of central-local government relations from the overall fiscal rationing system in the 1980s and the tax distribution system in the 1990s. The former system provided the incentive for local government to “set up a number of enterprises” and resulted in rapid local industrialization, while the latter system enabled the local governments to move from “operating the enterprises” to “operating the land and cities”. The book analyzes two aspects of the profound impact of the change in central-local government relations on the behavior of local governments: land quota acquisition and urbanization, thus providing valuable insights into the economic and social development of contemporary China.

Provides a comparative study of the variety of local government systems throughout the world, accompanied by a consideration of the conceptual issues involved in the development of institutions and services.

1. The purpose The purpose of this study is to gain an insight into and make an introductory comparison of the structure of local government in many countries throughout the world. More specifically the aim is to define and describe in a comparative fashion the various organs of local government and their relationships. The need for, as well as the obstacles encountered in, such a survey are perhaps equally obvious. It is said that he who under stands only his own language knows none. It may just as easily be contended that he who understands only his own govern mental institutions knows none. Governmental comparisons are useful not only to find out how others are governed but also to more fully comprehend the role which one's own governmental institutions play. 1 From a pragmatic point of view there is a still further value in making comparisons of local governments. Local government institutions are constantly undergoing changes. The changes are both formal and informal; they may be evolutionary and revolu tionary. A comparative study of local government can help many countries to take advantage of the experiments and experiences of others. From the beginning of recorded history there are indications of man borrowing heavily from the institutions of his neighbour in organizing his own institutions. In local govern ment there are several examples of countries which have set up their local government systems by wholesale copying the model of another.

“One Country, Two Systems, Three Legal Orders” – Perspectives of Evolution – : Essays on Macau’s Autonomy after the Resumption of Sovereignty by China” can be said, in a short preamble-like manner, to be a book that provides a comprehensive look at several issues regarding public law that arise from, or correlate with, the Chinese apex motto for reunification – One Country, Two Systems – and its implementation in Macau and Hong Kong. Noble and contemporary themes such as autonomy models and fundamental rights are thoroughly approached, with a multilayered analysis encompassing both Western and Chinese views, and an extensive comparative law acquis is also brought forward. Furthermore, relevant issues on international law, criminal law, and historical and comparative evolutions and interactions of different legal s- tems are laid down in this panoramic, yet comprehensive book. One cannot but underline the presence, in the many approaches and comments, of a certain aura of a modern Kantian cosmopolitanism revisitation throughout the work, especially when dealing with the cardinal principle of «One Country, Two Systems», which enabled a peaceful and integral reunification ex vi international law – the Joint Declarations – that ended an external and distant control.

Sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging Asian economies requires high levels of public investment in areas such as infrastructure, education, health, and social services. The increasing complexity and regional diversity of these investment needs, together with the trend of democratization, has led to fiscal decentralization being implemented in many Asian economies. This book takes stock of some major issues regarding fiscal decentralization, including expenditure and revenue assignments, transfer programs, and sustainability of local government finances, and develops important findings and policy recommendations.

The transformation of local governance in the 1980s and 1990s has put the nature and prospects for local democracy in question. Drawing together original research by leading academics commissioned by the Commission for Local Democracy, this book presents in a lively and accessible form the clearest available picture of the problems of participation, representation and accountability besetting local government, their consequences and possible avenues for reform.

Published in 1999. Originally published in 1981, Control and Power in Central-Local Government Relations set out to provide a re-interpretation of central-local relations in Britain. The book reviewed the (then) existing literature; redefined the subject of intergovernmental relations (IGR); and developed a theory linking IGR to broader issues in the study of British Government. It rapidly became a classic in the study of local government. The link to broader issues what achieved through the power-dependence model and the focus on policy communities. The book underpinned the vast growth in the study of policy networks in British government. This revised edition includes four new chapters, two of which have been specially written. The new Preface traces the fortunes of the power-dependence model, commenting on and updating the individual chapters. A new part II continues the story. It contains a 1986 essay reviewing criticism of the original model (chapter 6); a 1992 article discussing unresolved issues in the study of policy networks (chapter 7); and a new chapter assessing where we are now in the study of networks. It argues, provocatively, for an ethnographic focus on traditions and narratives; on how individuals construct networks. The book remains essential reading for all students and academics concerned with the study of IGR and policy networks.