THE POLITICAL SYSTEM AS THE INSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION OF LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT

Abstract

The study of local self-government within the context of the political system is one of the central tasks of contemporary political science, as local authorities serve not only as implementers of state decisions but also as direct representatives of citizens’ interests. The institutional organization of the political system provides a framework for the effective functioning of local self-government, defines the principles of interaction between authorities and the public, and ensures coordination between central and local institutions. This article examines the political system as a key institutional mechanism that shapes the structure and functioning of local self- government. The author emphasizes the interconnection between political institutions and local authorities, highlighting the role of formalized rules, norms, and procedures in ensuring stability and effectiveness in governance processes. The article presents the main approaches to understanding the political system as a set of interrelated institutions that perform representative, regulatory, and integrative functions, incorporating citizens into local decision-making processes. The significance of institutional mechanisms in shaping the political culture of local communities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the responsibility of self- government bodies to citizens is also analyzed. The author further underscores that the political system not only creates conditions for the effective functioning of local self-government but also acts as a factor in legitimizing government decisions, building public trust, and fostering civic engagement. The article aims to deepen the understanding of the institutional aspect of local self-government and to enhance the effectiveness of governance decisions in a democratic society.