Local self - government bodies are administrative-bureaucratic structures elected by the territorial community, which are given full power, including the competence to manage urban (rural or district) economy. The powers of such structures do not extend beyond the boundaries of municipalities, and the practice of holding regular direct elections allows “tying” officials to local public opinion and the socio-economic moods of the local commune.
2 levels of municipal authority
In accordance with our Constitution, local governments are included in the general system of state power of the Russian Federation and exercise their powers at two basic levels. The first is urban districts, the second level is municipal districts. At the same time, cities of federal significance were given special status , where intra-city municipal entities operating on a common basis in accordance with the law on local self-government and the charter of the municipality are widespread.
Competence
Local self-government bodies of the Russian Federation have the following competencies:
- determination of the development priorities of the communal economy, including through industrial or infrastructural specialization of enterprises located in the municipality;
- the formation of the local budget and the basis of regional tax policy, including the resolution of issues related to the introduction and administration of local taxes;
- management of city property, solving issues on attracting private investors;
- setting priorities and creating development plans for the entrusted territory;
- construction and support of municipal communications, ensuring the life of this territorial entity;
- landscaping, support for local social infrastructure (schools, hospitals, kindergartens, etc.).
Representative bodies of local self-government
They are selected by the regional community by direct voting in the general election. These usually include city / village leaders and municipal assemblies. In large cities, divided into separate areas, power is exercised through prefects and suprefects. On the territory of smaller municipalities, vital issues are adopted at general meetings or gatherings. However, in most cases, decisions are made either by deputies of local Duma, elected for 4 years, or by a elected official.
Executive bodies of local self-government
In addition, local governments have the right to create specialized posts or bureaucratic structures to which control functions are transferred, as well as powers to distribute resources owned by the urban community. The presence of such a structure or position is recorded in the adopted charter of the municipality. The powers granted are most often adjusted depending on the strategy and priorities of the socio-economic development of the territory. They can also be eliminated if they do not comply with the policies pursued by local authorities.