Discuss The Different Levels Of Government
The different levels of government in the UK
P1, M1, D1
Levels of government and their responsibilities
European parliament
The responsibility of this government is to draw up a legislation that will have an impact across the EU on certain issues such as
The environment environmental policy and environmental protection measures, in particular areas concerning: air, soil and water pollution, waste management and recycling, dangerous substances and preparations, noise levels, climate change, protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, international and regional measures and agreements aimed at protecting the environment, restoration of environmental damage.
Equal opportunities- The Equal Opportunities Committee considers matters of …show more content…
discrimination relative to sex or marital status, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, language, social origin or other personal attributes
Transport- matters relating to the development of a common policy for rail, road, inland waterway, maritime and air transport, in particular: common rules applicable to transport within the European Union, the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure, the provision of transport services and relations in the field of transport with third countries, transport safety, relations with international transport bodies and organisations
Consumer rights- the freedom to provide services except in the financial and postal sectors; Measures aiming at the identification and removal of potential obstacles to the functioning of the internal market; The promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers, except for public health and food safety issues, in the context of the establishment of the internal market.
Movement of workers and goods- Freedom of movement for workers shall be secured within the Community. Such freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment.
The European government isn’t a part of the UK government it still as a big impact on EU citizens and the public services.
Central government
This government is normally based in the main city of that certain country and controls all main issues over the country such as
Making laws-The house of commons creates new laws which they feel will work well for the British community.
Signing treaties or agreements with other nations- The House of Lords has a responsibility of signing agreements for example looking into a new law passed down from the House of Commons; this is a big decision as it will affect the nation.
Defending the nation- The Military of defence states that its principal objectives are to defend the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its interests and to strengthen international peace and stability
This type of government is one of the highest meanings that no other government can do what they are allowed to do.
Such as in the UK the central government is in Westminster in London and contain the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch, all of these are known as the parliament which passes legislation.
Devolved parliaments
This is when power can be transferred from centralised governmental organisation to regional organisation. This however is made up of three different elements
The transfer of roles and responsibilities of government from central to regional assemblies
The geographical move of power from capital to a different town or city.
The transfer of power to a different elected body that is lower down in the chain of authority.
The UK as three different main regional assemblies that all have power, these are
The northern Ireland assembly- The Northern Ireland Assembly Government was set up as part of the Belfast agreement and uses devolved powers in the UK to decide on laws within its territory.
The welsh assembly- The Wales Assembly Government can influence UK law and has certain devolved powers across its borders
The Scottish parliament-
The advantages and disadvantages of
devolution
The advantages are;
Combative politics that are in centralised government may be reduced so that regional assemblies and centralised government can work together on the issues that really matter in the area rather than disagreeing with each other.
The central government can focus more on important issues of the nation and not have to worry about all the regions.
Regional assemblies will only be dealing with what is happening in their region.
Takes stress and less pressured matters of the central government.
The regional assembles know more about what needs to be done n their region and there for would make the people happy and they would easily agree to what shags are being done.
Can take into account the cultural and linguistic differences between the region assemblies and the central government.
Disadvantages
May help the central government be less influenced because they don’t live close to local rivalries or resentments?
The regional assemblies may have a low voter in devolution which would suggest them being unpopular and not having the support of the region.
The region assemblies could break up the UK.
Both the central government and regional assemblies could have conflict.
The regional assemblies may have a lack of decision making compared to the central government.
Is expensive to make regional assemblies.
The main regional assemblies in the UK.
The Scottish parliament- this parliament is in place to deal with issues such as housing and local government, education, civil and criminal law and many more. This parliament was established by the Scotland act 1998; it is also self-contained meaning that it can pass laws without having to go to the UK parliament. Even though it is self-contained the UK still has powers when issues involving the UK. The Scottish parliament only has 129 members.
The welsh assembly- this is put in place to deal with issues such as health, education, environment and many more. This was done by the government of wales act 1998 the welsh government only has 60 member but doesn’t have control over its criminal law because the UK has that.
The Northern Ireland assembly- this assembly was forced by the Northern Ireland act in 1998. This parliament was brought in to deal with education, transport, health and many more just like the Scottish and welsh assemblies.
Regional governments
In England there are 8 regal assemblies; these were created by the regional development agencies
Yorkshire and Huber assembly- is the partnership of local authorities, including fire, police and national park authorities, across Yorkshire and Humber. It is a regional grouping of the Local Government Association and the regional employers’ organisation. It brings local authorities together on key issues, supports the improvement of service delivery, influences Government on the future of local government, promotes good employment practices, and works with local authorities to improve the public perception of local government.
South west regional assembly- The assembly's responsibilities for planning, housing and transport transferred to the Strategic Leaders' Board of South West Councils on 13 May 2009. The transfer followed agreement between the Assembly Leaders, the Strategic Leaders, the Social Economic and Environmental Partners and South West Councils.
North west regional assembly-The NWRA acted as the representative voice of the region and worked to promote the economic, environmental and social well-being of the North West of England.The key functions of the assembly were :Co-ordinate the public expenditure of local authorities Act as regional planning body scrutinise the work of the Northwest Regional Development Agency
West midlands regional assembly
East midlands regional assembly
North east assembly
South east England regional assembly
East of England regional assembly
Regional assemblies are normally funded through a central government. Some may receive money from local authorities. Most members of a regional assembly are elected local authority councillors; however some are taken from businesses, religious groups and voluntary groups.
The main forms of local government and their roles and responsibilities
County
Trading standards
Social services
Refuse disposal
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Highways and traffic
Emergency planning
Education
District (part of a county and several district councils come under each county council)
Tax and council tax collection
Registration of electors
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Planning and development
Housing
Environment health
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of births, deaths and marriages
Parish (a single village or part of town)
Tourist information centres
Rights of way
Seating and shelters
War memorials
Recreation grounds
Cemeteries
Allotments
Local transport and traffic services
Street lighting
Metropolitan district (part of a very large city)
Trading standards tax and council tax collection
Social services
Registration of electors
Refuse disposal
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Housing
Highways and traffic
Environment health
Emergency planning
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of births, deaths and marriages
Unitary authorities (a city that is large enough to need its own local authority dealing with just that city)
Trading standards
Tax and council tax collection
Social services
Registration of electors
Refuse disposal
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Housing
Highways and traffic
Environment health
Emergency planning
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of birth, deaths and marriages
There are many different types of local government for example district councils and metropolitan councils. As you can see many of the responsibilities and roles are in each different section but this is because they all focus on the services and facilities in their local area.
The monarch is the head of state, so for the Uk queen Elizabeth 2 is the current reigning monarch even though our laws are approved by an elected body our is done by the house of parliament. The queen herself has her own formal and ceremonial government roles such as.
Advice and guidance to the prime minister.
Disinterment of peers
Opening each new session of parliament
House of Commons
The house of commons has 646 members that have all been elected to be there and become MPs. MPs all have a local geographical area; this is called a constituency and each have a MP that represents that area. Small constituencies have a smaller area compared to rural constituencies meaning that the people of that area are much more spread out rather than living door to door with someone else. Constituencies can change an areas boundaries making it much bigger or smaller or making that area disappear. This is why most constituencies should have around the same number of people in that area so that the votes are equally important.
To be able to be elected into the House of Commons there is two different ways such as you can get elected through general election, this is when all the people in the House of Commons come to the election at the same time. The prime minster normally calls the election to place. The second way is by-election this can happen when the local MP of that area has died, retired or resigns and someone new is needed but only for that area not for anyone else. In the House of Commons many different views are represented meaning that they make sure that there is a range of people with different views so that each legislation and decision can be dealt with the best way possible.
Duties of the House of Commons (function and explanation)
Protecting the individual-this is when the house of commons are contacted by someone who has petitioned something that is important to them or their group such has changes to a law, reducing taxes or road building.
Examining European Union proposals- this is when they have to make sure that they read through all proposed European Union laws so that they can see if that law will affect the UK in any way possible.
Delegated legislation- as the House of Commons doesn’t have time to discuss and look at all the laws needed by the country; they have come up with delegated legislation to deal with the matter. They created a parent law and this monitors how delegated legislation is implemented by the local authorities and councils.
Scrutiny- this is when the house can judge the government and question them. The government must tell the house of its policies. By doing this the house can determine that the policies have been considered by a range or people before they are put in place. Controlling finance- this is controlled by the House of Commons as they have to give the government approval if they want to spend money. They check up on the government by the public accounts committee. Finance is controlled through taxation and selling of government assets.
Making laws- the house of common involves making new laws that could impact the public services and the country.
House of Lords
There are many different types of lords such as
Life peers- these are made by the queen who appoints them to become a lord, these make up the majority of lords however their title is not forever they only get to get it in one life time and it doesn’t get passed on to the next generation.
Bishops and archbishops- this type is passed on through their next generation, they can only get this title if they represent the Church of England.
Duties of the House of Lords
Independent expertise- the lords have a range of expertise that helps them to investigate and making inquiries which can be used on the government.
Scrutiny- this is the same as the House of Commons, using questioning and criticism as a way to control the government.
Law creation- this is when the lords work on creating a bill.
The House of Lords used to be the highest level of court until the position was taken over by the Supreme Court.
Branches of government
Executive- this is when they make sure that existing laws are put in place and they also have the right the suggest ideas for new laws. Only the government departments and the civil service have the right to this because they deal with work of the country. When a new law is being suggested it is normally written on a green piece of paper but white paper is for potential laws.
Judicial-this power is given to the court system so that they can make a judgement on whether the law has been broken.
Legislative- this is the parliament having the power to make laws and to reform old laws.
Main roles of government The government wouldn’t be able to work at its best if it didn’t have all the different people that for fill the different roles needed such as
Prime minister
Government ministers
MPs
Mayors
Council members
Prime minister
The prime minister is the person who has been appointed to the leader of the political party the pm has the most representatives in the House of Commons. The prime minister has many different duties such as
Control of information released to the government ministers, parliament and the public
Setting agendas for government business
Give out honours
Appointment of chairs of national industries
Appointment and dismissal of ministers
Allocation of duties to ministers
The prime minister’s job is both demanding and dominant. The pm also has the job of meeting with other head of states to discuss many issues such as foreign and financial policies; however the queen is in charge of the pm and he must answer not only to her but to the political party and the public. Due to the fact that media like to focus on the government ministers and the pm they must make sure that even though they may be scrutinised that they may have to stand their ground even though they would be going against the public. However if the prime minister views became very different from the public they may be voted out.
Government minister
The most important government minister is called a cabinet; a cabinet is normally selected by the prime minister but can be elected MPs due to their loyalty. These people could be selected to become ministry of defence or the home office. The cabinet consist of House of Lords as well as the House of Commons so that it is reprehensive of both sides of parliament to make it work much more efficiently. All government departments have a secretary of state who has many different junior ministers to make up the duties of a senior minister.
Members of parliament
The duty of an MP is split working in constituency and the House of Commons. The MP has many different roles that they should perform. MPs spend some time in their constituency listening to what people want and doing something about their concerns especially if they do not have an official role in the government.
Mayors
A mayor is only normally elected for a year but they do have duties they have to fulfil such as
Supporting charities and community groups
Teaching civic pride to young people
Promoting the area and being the councils spokesperson
Chair meetings of the full council
Representing the council in civic and ceremonial occasions
Council members
These is when people are elected to become a councillor and try to make the area a better place to live and to deal with issues that could be affecting that community such as transport, education and the public services. They also speak for groups that are in need of help, there important role is to decide on policies that will be put in place by the council. The government have their own hierarchy;
Government (national central)
Regional assemblies
County council (Kent)
District council (Thanet)
Town council (Ramsgate)
Parish council (Moncton)
The parish council is the lowest as they only work with their place but they answer to the town council. The town council answer to the district council, the district answers to the county council. The county council answer to the region assemblies as well as directly from the government, the regional assembly answers to the government only. However they all answer to the government as they are the highest position so if they government was to ask the region assemblies to do something for them the regional assembly could ask the county council to do with it and so on down the line all depending on the issue at hand.
My personal opinion is that this structure works well; but on the other hand I think that each council are set in their ways which means they don’t all communicate how they need to. I think they tell each other what they need to do rather than selling each other what they think could need doing.
P1, M1, D1
Levels of government and their responsibilities
European parliament
The responsibility of this government is to draw up a legislation that will have an impact across the EU on certain issues such as
The environment environmental policy and environmental protection measures, in particular areas concerning: air, soil and water pollution, waste management and recycling, dangerous substances and preparations, noise levels, climate change, protection of biodiversity, sustainable development, international and regional measures and agreements aimed at protecting the environment, restoration of environmental damage.
Equal opportunities- The Equal Opportunities Committee considers matters of …show more content…
discrimination relative to sex or marital status, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, language, social origin or other personal attributes
Transport- matters relating to the development of a common policy for rail, road, inland waterway, maritime and air transport, in particular: common rules applicable to transport within the European Union, the establishment and development of trans-European networks in the area of transport infrastructure, the provision of transport services and relations in the field of transport with third countries, transport safety, relations with international transport bodies and organisations
Consumer rights- the freedom to provide services except in the financial and postal sectors; Measures aiming at the identification and removal of potential obstacles to the functioning of the internal market; The promotion and protection of the economic interests of consumers, except for public health and food safety issues, in the context of the establishment of the internal market.
Movement of workers and goods- Freedom of movement for workers shall be secured within the Community. Such freedom of movement shall entail the abolition of any discrimination based on nationality between workers of the Member States as regards employment, remuneration and other conditions of work and employment.
The European government isn’t a part of the UK government it still as a big impact on EU citizens and the public services.
Central government
This government is normally based in the main city of that certain country and controls all main issues over the country such as
Making laws-The house of commons creates new laws which they feel will work well for the British community.
Signing treaties or agreements with other nations- The House of Lords has a responsibility of signing agreements for example looking into a new law passed down from the House of Commons; this is a big decision as it will affect the nation.
Defending the nation- The Military of defence states that its principal objectives are to defend the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and its interests and to strengthen international peace and stability
This type of government is one of the highest meanings that no other government can do what they are allowed to do.
Such as in the UK the central government is in Westminster in London and contain the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch, all of these are known as the parliament which passes legislation.
Devolved parliaments
This is when power can be transferred from centralised governmental organisation to regional organisation. This however is made up of three different elements
The transfer of roles and responsibilities of government from central to regional assemblies
The geographical move of power from capital to a different town or city.
The transfer of power to a different elected body that is lower down in the chain of authority.
The UK as three different main regional assemblies that all have power, these are
The northern Ireland assembly- The Northern Ireland Assembly Government was set up as part of the Belfast agreement and uses devolved powers in the UK to decide on laws within its territory.
The welsh assembly- The Wales Assembly Government can influence UK law and has certain devolved powers across its borders
The Scottish parliament-
The advantages and disadvantages of
devolution
The advantages are;
Combative politics that are in centralised government may be reduced so that regional assemblies and centralised government can work together on the issues that really matter in the area rather than disagreeing with each other.
The central government can focus more on important issues of the nation and not have to worry about all the regions.
Regional assemblies will only be dealing with what is happening in their region.
Takes stress and less pressured matters of the central government.
The regional assembles know more about what needs to be done n their region and there for would make the people happy and they would easily agree to what shags are being done.
Can take into account the cultural and linguistic differences between the region assemblies and the central government.
Disadvantages
May help the central government be less influenced because they don’t live close to local rivalries or resentments?
The regional assemblies may have a low voter in devolution which would suggest them being unpopular and not having the support of the region.
The region assemblies could break up the UK.
Both the central government and regional assemblies could have conflict.
The regional assemblies may have a lack of decision making compared to the central government.
Is expensive to make regional assemblies.
The main regional assemblies in the UK.
The Scottish parliament- this parliament is in place to deal with issues such as housing and local government, education, civil and criminal law and many more. This parliament was established by the Scotland act 1998; it is also self-contained meaning that it can pass laws without having to go to the UK parliament. Even though it is self-contained the UK still has powers when issues involving the UK. The Scottish parliament only has 129 members.
The welsh assembly- this is put in place to deal with issues such as health, education, environment and many more. This was done by the government of wales act 1998 the welsh government only has 60 member but doesn’t have control over its criminal law because the UK has that.
The Northern Ireland assembly- this assembly was forced by the Northern Ireland act in 1998. This parliament was brought in to deal with education, transport, health and many more just like the Scottish and welsh assemblies.
Regional governments
In England there are 8 regal assemblies; these were created by the regional development agencies
Yorkshire and Huber assembly- is the partnership of local authorities, including fire, police and national park authorities, across Yorkshire and Humber. It is a regional grouping of the Local Government Association and the regional employers’ organisation. It brings local authorities together on key issues, supports the improvement of service delivery, influences Government on the future of local government, promotes good employment practices, and works with local authorities to improve the public perception of local government.
South west regional assembly- The assembly's responsibilities for planning, housing and transport transferred to the Strategic Leaders' Board of South West Councils on 13 May 2009. The transfer followed agreement between the Assembly Leaders, the Strategic Leaders, the Social Economic and Environmental Partners and South West Councils.
North west regional assembly-The NWRA acted as the representative voice of the region and worked to promote the economic, environmental and social well-being of the North West of England.The key functions of the assembly were :Co-ordinate the public expenditure of local authorities Act as regional planning body scrutinise the work of the Northwest Regional Development Agency
West midlands regional assembly
East midlands regional assembly
North east assembly
South east England regional assembly
East of England regional assembly
Regional assemblies are normally funded through a central government. Some may receive money from local authorities. Most members of a regional assembly are elected local authority councillors; however some are taken from businesses, religious groups and voluntary groups.
The main forms of local government and their roles and responsibilities
County
Trading standards
Social services
Refuse disposal
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Highways and traffic
Emergency planning
Education
District (part of a county and several district councils come under each county council)
Tax and council tax collection
Registration of electors
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Planning and development
Housing
Environment health
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of births, deaths and marriages
Parish (a single village or part of town)
Tourist information centres
Rights of way
Seating and shelters
War memorials
Recreation grounds
Cemeteries
Allotments
Local transport and traffic services
Street lighting
Metropolitan district (part of a very large city)
Trading standards tax and council tax collection
Social services
Registration of electors
Refuse disposal
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Housing
Highways and traffic
Environment health
Emergency planning
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of births, deaths and marriages
Unitary authorities (a city that is large enough to need its own local authority dealing with just that city)
Trading standards
Tax and council tax collection
Social services
Registration of electors
Refuse disposal
Refuse collection
Recreation and amenities
Public transport
Planning and development
Libraries
Housing
Highways and traffic
Environment health
Emergency planning
Education
Cemeteries and crematoria
Registration of birth, deaths and marriages
There are many different types of local government for example district councils and metropolitan councils. As you can see many of the responsibilities and roles are in each different section but this is because they all focus on the services and facilities in their local area.
The monarch is the head of state, so for the Uk queen Elizabeth 2 is the current reigning monarch even though our laws are approved by an elected body our is done by the house of parliament. The queen herself has her own formal and ceremonial government roles such as.
Advice and guidance to the prime minister.
Disinterment of peers
Opening each new session of parliament
House of Commons
The house of commons has 646 members that have all been elected to be there and become MPs. MPs all have a local geographical area; this is called a constituency and each have a MP that represents that area. Small constituencies have a smaller area compared to rural constituencies meaning that the people of that area are much more spread out rather than living door to door with someone else. Constituencies can change an areas boundaries making it much bigger or smaller or making that area disappear. This is why most constituencies should have around the same number of people in that area so that the votes are equally important.
To be able to be elected into the House of Commons there is two different ways such as you can get elected through general election, this is when all the people in the House of Commons come to the election at the same time. The prime minster normally calls the election to place. The second way is by-election this can happen when the local MP of that area has died, retired or resigns and someone new is needed but only for that area not for anyone else. In the House of Commons many different views are represented meaning that they make sure that there is a range of people with different views so that each legislation and decision can be dealt with the best way possible.
Duties of the House of Commons (function and explanation)
Protecting the individual-this is when the house of commons are contacted by someone who has petitioned something that is important to them or their group such has changes to a law, reducing taxes or road building.
Examining European Union proposals- this is when they have to make sure that they read through all proposed European Union laws so that they can see if that law will affect the UK in any way possible.
Delegated legislation- as the House of Commons doesn’t have time to discuss and look at all the laws needed by the country; they have come up with delegated legislation to deal with the matter. They created a parent law and this monitors how delegated legislation is implemented by the local authorities and councils.
Scrutiny- this is when the house can judge the government and question them. The government must tell the house of its policies. By doing this the house can determine that the policies have been considered by a range or people before they are put in place. Controlling finance- this is controlled by the House of Commons as they have to give the government approval if they want to spend money. They check up on the government by the public accounts committee. Finance is controlled through taxation and selling of government assets.
Making laws- the house of common involves making new laws that could impact the public services and the country.
House of Lords
There are many different types of lords such as
Life peers- these are made by the queen who appoints them to become a lord, these make up the majority of lords however their title is not forever they only get to get it in one life time and it doesn’t get passed on to the next generation.
Bishops and archbishops- this type is passed on through their next generation, they can only get this title if they represent the Church of England.
Duties of the House of Lords
Independent expertise- the lords have a range of expertise that helps them to investigate and making inquiries which can be used on the government.
Scrutiny- this is the same as the House of Commons, using questioning and criticism as a way to control the government.
Law creation- this is when the lords work on creating a bill.
The House of Lords used to be the highest level of court until the position was taken over by the Supreme Court.
Branches of government
Executive- this is when they make sure that existing laws are put in place and they also have the right the suggest ideas for new laws. Only the government departments and the civil service have the right to this because they deal with work of the country. When a new law is being suggested it is normally written on a green piece of paper but white paper is for potential laws.
Judicial-this power is given to the court system so that they can make a judgement on whether the law has been broken.
Legislative- this is the parliament having the power to make laws and to reform old laws.
Main roles of government The government wouldn’t be able to work at its best if it didn’t have all the different people that for fill the different roles needed such as
Prime minister
Government ministers
MPs
Mayors
Council members
Prime minister
The prime minister is the person who has been appointed to the leader of the political party the pm has the most representatives in the House of Commons. The prime minister has many different duties such as
Control of information released to the government ministers, parliament and the public
Setting agendas for government business
Give out honours
Appointment of chairs of national industries
Appointment and dismissal of ministers
Allocation of duties to ministers
The prime minister’s job is both demanding and dominant. The pm also has the job of meeting with other head of states to discuss many issues such as foreign and financial policies; however the queen is in charge of the pm and he must answer not only to her but to the political party and the public. Due to the fact that media like to focus on the government ministers and the pm they must make sure that even though they may be scrutinised that they may have to stand their ground even though they would be going against the public. However if the prime minister views became very different from the public they may be voted out.
Government minister
The most important government minister is called a cabinet; a cabinet is normally selected by the prime minister but can be elected MPs due to their loyalty. These people could be selected to become ministry of defence or the home office. The cabinet consist of House of Lords as well as the House of Commons so that it is reprehensive of both sides of parliament to make it work much more efficiently. All government departments have a secretary of state who has many different junior ministers to make up the duties of a senior minister.
Members of parliament
The duty of an MP is split working in constituency and the House of Commons. The MP has many different roles that they should perform. MPs spend some time in their constituency listening to what people want and doing something about their concerns especially if they do not have an official role in the government.
Mayors
A mayor is only normally elected for a year but they do have duties they have to fulfil such as
Supporting charities and community groups
Teaching civic pride to young people
Promoting the area and being the councils spokesperson
Chair meetings of the full council
Representing the council in civic and ceremonial occasions
Council members
These is when people are elected to become a councillor and try to make the area a better place to live and to deal with issues that could be affecting that community such as transport, education and the public services. They also speak for groups that are in need of help, there important role is to decide on policies that will be put in place by the council. The government have their own hierarchy;
Government (national central)
Regional assemblies
County council (Kent)
District council (Thanet)
Town council (Ramsgate)
Parish council (Moncton)
The parish council is the lowest as they only work with their place but they answer to the town council. The town council answer to the district council, the district answers to the county council. The county council answer to the region assemblies as well as directly from the government, the regional assembly answers to the government only. However they all answer to the government as they are the highest position so if they government was to ask the region assemblies to do something for them the regional assembly could ask the county council to do with it and so on down the line all depending on the issue at hand.
My personal opinion is that this structure works well; but on the other hand I think that each council are set in their ways which means they don’t all communicate how they need to. I think they tell each other what they need to do rather than selling each other what they think could need doing.