<P> A local government is a form of public administration which , in a majority of contexts , exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state . The term is used to contrast with offices at state level , which are referred to as the central government , national government , or ( where appropriate ) federal government and also to supranational government which deals with governing institutions between states . Local governments generally act within powers delegated to them by legislation or directives of the higher level of government . In federal states , local government generally comprises the third ( or sometimes fourth ) tier of government , whereas in unitary states , local government usually occupies the second or third tier of government , often with greater powers than higher - level administrative divisions . </P>
what is the source of local governments authority
legislation or directives of the higher level of government