In modern nations, local governments usually have less powers than national governments do. They usually have some power to raise taxes, though these may be limited by central legislation. In some countries local government is partly or wholly funded by subventions from central government taxation. .
The institutions of local government vary greatly between countries, and even where similar arrangements exist, the terminology often varies. Common names for local government entities include state, province, region, department, county, district, city, township, town, borough, parish, and village. However all these names are often used informally in countries where they do not describe a legal local government entity.
Main articles on each country will usually contain some information about local government, or links to an article with fuller information. The rest of this article gives information or links for countries where a relatively full description is available.
Australia
As a federal country, Australia has a number of States and Territories with wide ranging powers. Arrangements below that level are described in the article on Local Government Areas
France
The whole of France is divided into a number of Départements. The system of local government is described in the article on Départements.
Germany
As a federal country, Germany is divided into a number of state (Laender), which have wide powers. The system of local government is described in the article on States of Germany.
Japan
Since the Meiji restoration, Japan has had a simple and clear local government system.
First, Japan is divided into about 50 prefectures. Each prefecture comprises cities, villages and towns. In Hokkaido, Nagasaki and Okinawa, there are branches of prefectural government.
Above the level considered here is the European Union, the United Kingdom and whatever government offices may exist for England
as a whole. England currently has no elected officials responsible solely for the entire country.
The top level of local government within England is now the region. There are nine regions including Greater London,
which in some ways is a unique case. Each region has a government office and assorted other institutions.
Regions appear to have been introduced in their present form arount 1994 and the policy of the current
administration is to increase their power, including the introduction of elected assemblies where desired.
The layer of government below the regions is a mixture. Tradional counties still exist, although in the 1990s
some of the districts within the counties became separate unitary authorities and a few counties have
been disbanded completely. There are also metropolitan districts in some areas which are similar to unitary authorities.
In Greater London there are London boroughs which are a similar concept.
Counties are further divided into districts (also known as boroughs in some areas).
Districts are divided into wards for electoral purposes.
Districts may also contain parishes and town council areas with a small administration of their own.
Other area classifications are also in use, such as health service and Lord-Lieutenant areas.
See also: Ceremonial counties of England, Districts of England, Administrative counties of England, Subdivisions of England, UK topics
New Zealand
Local government in New Zealand involves two levels, the Region and the Territorial Authority, i.e. district or city. The arrangements are described in detail in the article on Territorial Authorities in New Zealand.Philippines
For a description of the arrangements in force, see the section on Regions and Provinces in the article on the Philippines.United Kingdom
The system of local government is different in the four countries of the United Kingdom.England
The most complex system is in England, the result of numerous attempts at reform and reorganisation over the centuries.Scotland
See the section on Local Government in the article on Politics of ScotlandUnited States
The U.S has three levels of local government:
Almost all areas are covered by states, although special arrangements apply to the District of Columbia. Within states, all areas are covered by counties. However, Native American reservationss are outside both state and county jurisdiction. Not all areas are covered by cities or townships; for these areas, the county fulfils all government functions below the level of the state. For more information about the powers of US cities, see municipal government