THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SELFGOVERNMENT AND DEMOCRACY IN THE CONTEXT OF INDIVIDUAL POLITICAL FREEDOM

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between local self-government and democracy, focusing on their significance for individual political freedom within the context of Ukraine’s ongoing democratic reforms. The study highlights the theoretical foundations of this correlation, examining the impact of decentralization and governance at the local level on the country’s political system. Despite Ukraine’s substantial efforts toward democratization, significant challenges remain in effectively balancing the principles of local self-government with centralized state power. The article explores three primary theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding this relationship.
The first approach argues that local self-government and democracy are not necessarily interconnected, and self-governance can exist even under authoritarian regimes. This perspective is based on examples from states where self-governing structures function autonomously, without direct influence from democratic processes. The second approach emphasizes that local self-government acts as a precursor to democratization, serving as a «school of democracy» where citizens acquire participatory skills and foster political culture. This approach acknowledges the role of local institutions in developing civic responsibility and engagement in decision-making processes. The third approach asserts that democratization must first occur at the national level, creating favorable conditions for the development of autonomous local self-government systems.
The article concludes that a balanced approach to decentralization and centralization is crucial for the effective functioning of local governance. The Ukrainian experience demonstrates that decentralization can strengthen local communities’ capacity for self-organization and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. However, excessive decentralization, in the absence of strong democratic traditions, risks consolidating power among local elites, which may hinder broader democratization efforts at the national level.