Facing Local Governments in America, Term Paper Example

Local governments in America continuously face significant challenges in execution of duties as it pertains to the rights of citizens in execution of their democratic opportunities In America two phases of local government exist. They comprise of municipalities and counties. Each aspect of this local government structure has it peculiar challenges. For example, numerous inconsistencies are evident within states regarding how local government functions. Some states do not have municipalities. However, these options spread over four distinct patterns of execution. They are county government style; town /township model; municipal and special purpose local government The special purpose local government consist of two separate divisions  called school and special districts ( Teaford, 488).

According to political analysts researching local governments in America some of the harshest issues facing local government in America encompass severe service delivery irregularities , inadequate funds to carry our basic functions;  formation of new partnerships, depletion in the acquisition ofappropriate revenue  for basic infrastructural developments. There are also irregularities pertaining to adoption of international standard performance protocols. Managing staff is another hurdle to meet. Keeping abreast with modernization and social changeis one of the increasing challenges. Technology is changing rapidly. In the twenty first century local governments have to divert their methods of data collection and storage to accommodate technology that allows for databases involving computerized systems (Teaford, 488).

Essentially, local governments in America adhere to a pure democratic process wherebythe people exercise their right to participate in decision making. Local government leaders then have an obligation to allow democratic procedures to be conducted within the structure. These involve conducting municipal/local government elections through a transparent mechanism. Changes are instituted based on a majority voting system. Hence, opportunities must exist for citizens to communicatetheiropinions without penalty of discrimination or other social structural alienation (Teaford, 488).

Democratic local government style of management is also known as participatory interactions between government and the people. Therefore, issues emerging from local government governance should be taken to the people for their input into the resolutions. Specifically, the democratic leader follower relationship is one in which the leader keeps his or her employees/ follower of all the events occurring within the organization. Transparency is expected during the relationship of government and people. Decisions made are shared and a top down system does not function. In the top down style staff below management simply might be manipulated into taking measures without fully understanding the outcomes. Instead with the democratic theoretical perspective local governments in America must consult with the people even before the decision are made for their contribution (Teaford, 488).

Research has shown where democratic governance has produced exemplary local government performances and sustainable improvements in outcomes. Most thinking citizensprefer this type of local government management strategy. Precisely,it builds trust in the relationship, especially when people are aware that they have a voice that can be heard and make contributions considered valuable (Teaford, 488).

Less rigid bureaucratic structures could enhance cooperation between local governments and the people. This has been proven to build team spirit, and high morale in sharing responsibilities.   Municipal/ county Leaders are required to function beyond directing their citizens and creating frequent budget deficits. Many of local government problems and challenges emerge from inadequate/ inapposite response to the need of people they service. More research gathering important data from team players before arriving at a decision is highly recommended for a smooth democratic process to exist. The decisions made by municipalities ought to reflect the input as well as concerns of the majority and not what the federal budget could afford to offer. In my opinion of local government are applying  democratictheories closely as how it ought to be tendered there would be less conflict between government and the people.

For eample, analysts identified that seriousattempts have been made continuously to violate the democratic rights of citizenswithin local government jurisdiction. This has been the design for many decades.It is with political ingenuity that governments pursue measure towards formulating policies to centralized power and decision making protocols. If this occurs then the democratic process is compromised because people in communities served by the local government would not be participating in their future(Teaford, 488).

Decisions will be made outside of their jurisdiction. Polices will be designed without their input. As such, their right to exercise a franchise would be violated under the democratic law. Immense conflicts among local governments, central government, the public and communities.

Ultimately, trust is destroyed between leaders in the capacity of governors and the people. Subsequently, lack of accountability becomes obvious and the rights of the people are further  derailed. Disrespect for citizens and corruption occurs within local governments (Teaford, 488).

Incidentally, Thomas J. Volgy laments the way democracy functions in America. Theoretically, while nations were jubilant at the demise of communism there have been no significant triumphs, the author contends. A more realistic question is what has democracy dome for America economically as against countries which practice communism or dictatorship managements. Further, Vology advances with the noise regarding America being a democratic society only quarter of the public has anything pleasant to say about the American congress.(Volgy, 24).

Democracy is expected to produce trust between the governments at masses they were elected to serve. More importantly, the role of local government is to serve the people. History shows where people settled in groups them communities due to fear of being attached by Indians. The spirit of community existed. Prior to that point in time they government themselves. History reports that these units were democratic in their function. The leadership served the people who paid taxes to the municipality (Volgy, 24).

In modern America local government operate almost like central government. After the vote is cast rights are forgotten. Shen the time for another election is eminent more promises are made which are seldom kept. This was never the intention when early setters developed small communities establishing village boards offering protection from invaders. Local governments functions are so diverse and conflicting that while some states do not have any local government at all while others are classified individual states. They have acquired the authority from central government to function according to the people’s needs with limited interference from central government. In my opinion democracy practiced in this manner better serves to the masses. They pay taxes and contribute economically to the communities in which they live. Why then in a democratic society local government are allowed to rape the masses withdrawing their power to mike choices and participate effectively in the decision-making process mechanisms that functions in their communities.

Works cited

Teaford, Jon. Local Government: Princeton Encyclopedia of American Political History. Princeton University Press. 2009. Print

Volgy, Thomas. Politics in the Trenches: Citizens, Politicians, and the Fate of Democracy. British Library catalog. 2014. Print