Dimension: 1.10.3 Relations with subnational levels of government
This dimension concerns the relationship between parliament and subnational levels of government, such as states and/or provinces, and local and municipal governments. The nature of this relationship may vary significantly depending on a nation’s legal framework and the representational status of parliament. This dimension therefore covers the key issues that generally apply to the relationship between parliament and subnational levels of government in all countries, whether they are federations, unitary States or somewhere in between.
The constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework should clearly delineate the respective roles, responsibilities and authorities of parliament and subnational levels of government. There should also be mechanisms and practices in place for communication, coordination, cooperation and information-sharing. These could include:
- a parliamentary committee dedicated to coordination with subnational levels of government, particularly in bicameral parliaments
- a communications or policy office that assists it in tracking or sharing information on subnational affairs
- centralized hubs and/or organized associations through which subnational levels of government share information with parliament
- a national ministry dedicated to subnational governance affairs, which is tasked with maintaining connectivity between affairs at the State and local levels.
Aspiring goal
Assess your parliament against this dimension
Assessment criteria
No 1: Constitution and legal framework
The constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework clearly delineate the respective roles, responsibilities and authorities of parliament and subnational levels of government.
No 2: Mechanisms and practices
Parliament has established mechanisms and practices in place for communication, coordination, cooperation and information-sharing with subnational levels of government.
How to complete this assessment
This dimension is assessed against several criteria, each of which should be evaluated separately. For each criterion, select one of the six descriptive grades (Non-existent, Rudimentary, Basic, Good, Very good and Excellent) that best reflects the situation in your parliament, and provide details of the evidence on which this assessment is based.
The evidence for assessment of this dimension could include the following:
- Provisions of the constitution and/or other aspects of the legal framework delineating the respective roles, responsibilities and authorities of parliament and subnational levels of government
- Provisions of the legal framework establishing shared responsibility between parliament and subnational levels of government
- Information on a centralized parliamentary mechanism for tracking subnational affairs, and on mechanisms and practices in place for communication, coordination, cooperation and information-sharing
Where relevant, provide additional comments or examples that support the assessment.
Download this indicatorGet help with this assessment
The assessment of indicators involves diagnosing and considering strengths and weaknesses, i.e. the things parliament is doing well, and the things it could do better or more effectively, taking into account established good practices that are described in the indicators.
Read the assessment guidance to find out what to consider when conducting an assessment against the Indicators. Find out how to prepare, how to set the objectives of the assessment, how to organize the process, and more. Contact the project partners for expert advice.
URL copied to clipboard