In a unitary system, local governments are subordinate to the central government and have limited powers that are delegated to them by the central government.

The primary function of a local government is to provide essential services to the local community, such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, and public transportation.

Municipalities, counties, townships, and special districts are all common types of local government in the United States.

Devolution refers to the transfer of powers from the central government to local governments.

In a federal system, local governments share powers with the central government, and both levels of government have their own areas of responsibility.

Intergovernmental cooperation, interlocal cooperation, regional cooperation, and collaborative governance are all terms used to describe the process by which local governments cooperate with each other to provide services.

District Councils, County Councils, Unitary Authorities, and Metropolitan Boroughs are all common types of local government in the United Kingdom.

Incorporation is the process by which local governments are created.

Municipalities, counties, townships, and regional districts are all common types of local government in Canada.

Disincorporation is the process by which local governments are dissolved.

City Councils, Shire Councils, Town Councils, and Regional Councils are all common types of local government in Australia.

Restructuring, reorganization, reform, and modernization are all terms used to describe the process by which local governments are reorganized.

City Councils, District Councils, Regional Councils, and Unitary Authorities are all common types of local government in New Zealand.

Performance assessment, performance evaluation, performance review, and performance audit are all terms used to describe the process by which local governments are evaluated.

Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Town Panchayats, and Village Panchayats are all common types of local government in India.