Argentina

Abstract

In terms of its Constitution of 1853, Argentina is a federal, republican, and democratic state. It has 24 subnational districts (23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), which has special status) and about 2400 local governments (municipalities and others). Local governments are democratically elected by the citizens, and their autonomy is constitutionally recognised. The legal status of local governments is regulated largely in provincial laws and constitutions, as a result of which they enjoy wide heterogeneity in size, powers, tax capacity, and electoral rules. Despite their limited ability to collect taxes, their chronic impecunity, and their moderate organisational capacity, Argentine local governments play a growing role in political and social life-a fact which was spotlighted during the Covid-19 crisis.