地方自治(ちほうじち)

ちほうじち
noun
local self-government; local autonomy
1. local self-government; local autonomy
The system by which local communities (prefectures, cities, towns, and villages) govern themselves through elected officials and assemblies, as guaranteed by the Japanese Constitution.
地方自治(ちほうじち)は民主主義(みんしゅしゅぎ)の基盤(きばん)だ。
Local self-government is the foundation of democracy.
日本国憲法(にほんこくけんぽう)は地方自治(ちほうじち)を保障(ほしょう)している。
The Constitution of Japan guarantees local self-government.
住民(じゅうみん)参加(さんか)による地方自治(ちほうじち)の充実(じゅうじつ)が求(もと)められている。
There is a call for enhancing local self-government through citizen participation.

Composed of 地方(ちほう) (local, regional) + 自治(じち) (self-government, autonomy). Chapter 8 of the Japanese Constitution (Articles 92-95) is dedicated to 地方自治(ちほうじち). Japan's local government structure consists of 都道府県(とどうふけん) (prefectures) and 市町村(しちょうそん) (municipalities).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 地方自治体(ちほうじちたい): local government body, municipality
  • 地方自治法(ちほうじちほう): Local Autonomy Act
  • 地方自治(ちほうじち)の本旨(ほんし): the principle of local autonomy
  • 地方自治(ちほうじち)の充実(じゅうじつ): enhancement of local autonomy

RELATED TERMS:

  • 自治体(じちたい): local government, municipality
  • 中央集権(ちゅうおうしゅうけん): centralization of power (contrast)
  • 地方分権(ちほうぶんけん): decentralization
general
Added 2026.4.4 1:12
21500/21770_chihoujichi