local sovereignty

Local sovereignty refers to the authority and independence of local governments—such as cities or counties—to govern themselves within the limits of the law. It means they can make decisions about local issues like zoning, schools, and public safety without unnecessary interference from higher levels of government like the federal or state authorities. While they must operate within the broader legal framework, local sovereignty recognizes that communities have the right to manage their own affairs to meet their residents' specific needs. This decentralization helps ensure more effective, responsive governance tailored to local conditions.