Subnational and local governments
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All 11 Flashcards — Subnational and local governments
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Question
What is a subnational government?
Answer
The government of a region, state or city inside a country — it runs part of the country, below the national government.
Question
Are subnational governments state or non-state actors?
Answer
Part of the state — they are governments, just smaller ones.
Question
What is local government?
Answer
The government of a city, town or district — councils and mayors, closest to daily life.
Question
What is a federal system?
Answer
One where power is shared between the national government and regional/state governments (e.g. the US, Germany).
Question
What is city diplomacy?
Answer
When a city or region acts on the world stage, such as joining a global network on climate.
Question
What is C40?
Answer
A global network of large cities working together on climate change.
Question
What was 'We Are Still In'?
Answer
A campaign of US cities, states and businesses that pledged to keep the Paris climate targets after the US said it would leave (2017).
Question
Why do subnational governments matter globally?
Answer
Big cities and states are larger than many countries and can act on issues like climate where national governments stall.
Question
What is the key limit on their power?
Answer
They have no sovereignty — they cannot sign binding treaties, and the national government can overrule them.
Question
Influence or sovereignty?
Answer
Subnational governments have influence but not sovereignty — they shape issues on the ground but cannot sign treaties.
Question
Why does 'it depends' on the country?
Answer
Federal systems give regions real power; centralised systems keep power at the top.
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Full study notes for Subnational and local governments
Topic 1.1 hub
Framing global politics
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