Chapter 4.p65

elow the central government in all countries are the subnational government entities with varying legal and administrative powers and resources to discharge them. These entities comprise the provinces and regions at the upper intermediate level; the counties, districts, and municipalities at the lower intermediate level; and the village councils and territorial committees in small towns at the lowest level. Subnational government can receive its mandate through the country’s constitution or through central government legislation. Clearly, in the former case the authority and powers of subnational government enjoy greater protection.