Local Self-Government 4208-M2ST

The aim of the lecture is to introduce students to functioning of local-self government in Poland. Local self-government defined as a sub-system of public administration is a form of social organization. The lecture shows two models adopted in Europe: northern and southern ones. An outline of local self-government traditions in Poland is presented. However, the main emphasis is put on current model, its territorial structure, powers and duties of Polish local government, including a brief description of local self-government bodies of authority, the election system and economic aspects of their functioning. Other matters discussed include control and supervision issues and the growing importance of national and international cooperation of local self-government units.