地方分権改革と自治基本条例

抄録

In Japan, decentralization reform has progressed since 1991. The abolition of government agency proxy administration was the greatest result of the first decentralization reform term (1991-2000). Central government continues to participate in local governments but accountability and responsibility of citizens in local governments have increased dramatically. The considerable achievement of corporate self-government prepared local governments and citizens for citizen's self-government. Municipal governments have begun to settle on fundamental autonomy ordinance in the second decentralization reform term (2001-). This paper draws a conclusion based on these historical tendencies and two case studies of municipalities (Shimotsuke City and Nasushiobara City in Tochigi prefecture). Finally, this paper clarifies the present-day significance of citizens' commitment to the process of making fundamental autonomy ordinance.