Territorial self-government as a factor strengthening the principle of the common good

Abstract

The article brings up the problem of the relationship between the constitutional principle of the common good and the activity of a territorial self-government in Poland. The first part contains some theoretical comments on the essence of the principle of the common good and on the relationship between the common good and the principle of subsidiarity. In the second part the author presents basic legal measures of the participation of the local community in the decision-making process. The third part contains some critical comments on the present relationship between the central authority and a local government. In the author’s opinion, some of the legislative initiatives of the lower chamber of the Parliament lead to the limitation of local governments independence and breach the principle of the common good.