The Enlightenment of “Local Government in the United States” on China

Abstract

This article summarizes the main content of the book "Local Government in the United States" and discusses the implications of "Local Government in the United States" for local governments in China. The composition types of local governments in the United States include counties, townships, municipalities, school districts, and other special districts and quasi government organizations, with complex and diverse organizational forms. Local governments in the United States emphasize their basic functions of providing public goods and services, and apply enterprise management to their internal operations. The governance process reflects the core characteristics of high autonomy. The local government reform movement of "reshaping government" advocates for cooperation between governments and cooperation between the government and various governance entities in society. Vertical federal and state governments delegate power to local governments, while horizontal local governments share governance power with governance entities. Market mechanisms are introduced in the supply of public goods and services, demonstrating a clear customer orientation. Drawing on the achievements and experiences of local governments in the United States, we attempt to gain inspiration for local governments in China: strengthening institutional environment construction and promoting local government cooperation; Cultivate civic participation awareness and broaden channels for democratic participation; Central decentralization of power to local governments and rational decentralization of governance entities; Accelerate the transformation of government functions and improve the quality of public services.