Glossary

The glossary will help you familiarise yourself with the basic concepts of local self-government, multi-level governance, and decentralisation.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Word	Explanation
Political Decentralisation	Political decentralisation is a reform of multi-level political systems that involves the transfer of political (decision-making) powers and responsibilities from the central government to government entities that are subordinate or nearly independent. Political decentralisation transfers political power to the local public sector, typically through elected territorial or local governance institutions. Political decentralisation allows citizens to express their preferences by choosing candidates who align with their interests and by engaging them in the decision-making process. It is the process through which decisions and authority are transferred to the lowest levels of government, such as local or regional authorities. This means that the central government delegates certain powers to local bodies, enabling them to resolve community or regional issues with more autonomy at the local level. Political decentralisation promotes the distribution of power, strengthens local authorities, and makes public services more accessible and responsive to the population. It also encourages civic participation and accountability, as citizens are more directly involved in the decision-making process in their communities.
Public sector	The public sector is defined to include all units of the general government sector plus all public (financial and non-financial) corporations [at all government levels]. In turn, the general government sector is divided into three subsectors: the central government subsector; the state [provincial or regional] government subsector; and the local government subsector.

Word

Explanation

Political Decentralisation

Political decentralisation is a reform of multi-level political systems that involves the transfer of political (decision-making) powers and responsibilities from the central government to government entities that are subordinate or nearly independent. Political decentralisation transfers political power to the local public sector, typically through elected territorial or local governance institutions. Political decentralisation allows citizens to express their preferences by choosing candidates who align with their interests and by engaging them in the decision-making process. It is the process through which decisions and authority are transferred to the lowest levels of government, such as local or regional authorities. This means that the central government delegates certain powers to local bodies, enabling them to resolve community or regional issues with more autonomy at the local level. Political decentralisation promotes the distribution of power, strengthens local authorities, and makes public services more accessible and responsive to the population. It also encourages civic participation and accountability, as citizens are more directly involved in the decision-making process in their communities.

Public sector

The public sector is defined to include all units of the general government sector plus all public (financial and non-financial) corporations [at all government levels]. In turn, the general government sector is divided into three subsectors: the central government subsector; the state [provincial or regional] government subsector; and the local government subsector.