한국지방행정연구원

The Korea Local Administration Review

Year
2005-06
Author
Jung, Chang-HwaㆍHan, Bu-Young

A Study on the Theories and Principles of Decentralization

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he Roh Moo-Hyun government's national policy focuses on the issue of decentralization. The bills aimed to implement decentralization and balanced regional development was passed by the Assembly on December 29, 2003 with much difficulty. The newly enacted legislation included the Special Act on Decentralization and the Special Act on Balanced National Development. Although this decentralization movement continues with enthusiasm, it is hard to tell whether the central and local governments have faithfully played their roles in the course of discussing decentralization.
Local self-administration units in Germany have taken the lead in modernizing public sector administration. In particular, devolution is seen to be a means for enhancing democratic control and decentralization of decision- making in the German political system.
This study aims to trace and analyze the theories and principles of decentralization. In particular, this study examines systems for decentralization in Germany and in Korea.