Local politics in Fratanica

Local politics in Fratanica are influenced by Fratanican federalism and characterized by moderate civic participation in local politics. The idea of administrative sub-units with their own governments is inspired by federalism, where power is divided in a complicated system of checks and balances between the various levels of administration. The lowest level of government is municipal or township government, followed by district governments operating similarly to counties.

Background

The Fratanican constitution did not specify the development of sub-unit governments such as district governments and municipal governments, however, it did acknowledge the necessity for political representation at the sub-unit level. Provincial governments may grant or remove certain powers from administrative sub-units.

All divisional levels have their own executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial powers. District governments usually have the least powers out of the various levels of administrative divisions, as they are unable to control municipal governments and must locally apply provincial law. Municipal governments, on the other hand, can create their own legal statutes and public policy. Both district and municipal governments can be overridden by the province.

As of today, all 14 provinces have granted district and municipal governments powers. These governments have varying levels of autonomy, depending on the interests of the provincial government.

Civic participation

Civil participation in the electoral and political process remains crucial in Fratanican society, however participation has been dropping due to lack of awareness and lack of civic skills. As a result, many local schools have began incorporating civics and communication more in their curriculums. Many local governments elect city officials through direct vote, which in turn serve on municipal presidiums, standing executive councils of the municipal government.

A majority of municipalities have referendum systems, to give citizens the ability to influence city policies. Municipal and district governments initiate referendums through their executive heads.

Direct participation is also supplemented by "civil planning sessions", weekly meetings between residents of the municipality which form policy and share public sentiment. This is often an informal meeting held at community centers throughout Fratanica. These meetings are usually built in within municipal operations, and consensus topics are ten brought up in municipal council sessions. Politicians and citizens also meet face-to-face in various arenas of debate, through "public accountability sessions". Individual elected officials, governmental agencies, or a panel of politicians subject themselves to questions from the electorate, and answer the concerns of citizens present.