Local Government I 1900-5AST1

I. The scope of topics discussed during the lectures

1. The main notions related to local governments: decentralization, deconcentration, symetric and asymetric decetralization, subsidiarity, federal and unitary systems, core values of local governments
2. The main elements of the Polish local government legal system
3. Supervision over local governments' activity: the role of the central government, governonr, Regional Audit Chambers.
4. Territorial organization - evolution after 1945, debates about further changes
5. Local democracy in Poland - local election, local referendum, results of local elections after 1990, the role of political parties
6. Executive powers and local administration
7. Service functions provided by local governments; the role of individual functions in budget expenditures
8. Absorption of EU funds by Polish local governments

II. Classes.
The aim of classes is to help students to understand the practical aspects of local governments functioning. Both theoeretical issues and their practical applications are discussed. The list of discussed topics include: (1) e-governance (is there local e-government in Poland? What are strengths and threates of using interent by local governments), (2) the size issue - what are advantages of territorial fragmentation and consolidation? Local democracy and participation vs economic effectiveness, (3) Bduget as a mirror of local governments. The most important sources of revenues and expenditure structure. (4) comparing local governemnts (sources of information, interpretation of statistical data), (5) representative democracy and participatory mechanisms (dillemas of participation, direct democracy, tools for community involvement), (6) is local government necessary in the modern state? Pros and cons of decentralization.

Classes have a form of a discussion, based on suggested readings or a form of oral presentations prepared by students. Students prepare short essays, read suggested literature. Preparation fo the homework is often required. Some of tasks have a form of group work.