Subnational and local governments

The big idea: A country is not run by one government alone. Below the national state sit subnational governments — regional, state and city governments that run parts of the country.

The national government rules the whole country. But most countries also have smaller governments that run a region, a state or a city. These are called subnational (below-the-nation) governments.

• Regional or state governments — run a big region of the country. In a federal system they have real power (e.g. US states, German Länder, Scotland).
• Local government — city and town councils and mayors. They run local services and are closest to everyday life.

Still part of the state: Subnational governments are part of the state — not non-state actors. They are governments, just smaller ones. Some countries give them lots of power (federal states); others keep power at the centre.

Why they matter in global politics: Some cities and regions are huge — bigger in people and money than many countries. A few now act on the world stage themselves, especially on climate. That makes them actors worth knowing.

Normally, dealing with other countries is the national government's job. But sometimes cities and regions step in — this is called city diplomacy.

Case study — cities and states on climate: In 2017 the US national government announced it would leave the Paris Agreement. In response, a group of US states, cities and businesses launched a campaign called 'We Are Still In', promising to keep the targets anyway.

Hundreds of cities and several states pledged to cut emissions on their own. Networks like C40 connect big cities across the world to act together.

The key point: When the national government stepped back, subnational governments stepped up. They could not sign the treaty themselves — but they had enough power over local energy, transport and buildings to act. This shows subnational governments can shape a global issue.

So how much do subnational governments really matter in global politics? There are strong points on both sides.

Link it up: Subnational governments have influence but not sovereignty. They can shape an issue on the ground, but only the national state can sign the treaty. Use that contrast in an answer.

How Paper 1 works: Paper 1 gives you four short sources (A–D) and four questions, each testing a different skill. It is worth 25 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes.

Easy marks to lose: 1. Calling them non-state actors. They are part of the state — just smaller governments.



2. No real example. Use city diplomacy / 'We Are Still In'.



3. Overstating them. They have influence, not sovereignty — they cannot sign treaties.