Toward a Classification of Constitutional Principles Governing Local Self-Government in Russia’s Unified System of Public Authority

This article analyzes approaches to classifying the constitutional principles of local self-government in Russia, considering changes introduced by the 2020 Constitutional Reform and the formation of a unified system of public authority. The study reveals shortcomings in existing classifications of local self-government principles based on traditional criteria such as the form of codification in legislation, sources of their origin, and their relationship with the foundations of the constitutional order. A comparative analysis of various classification approaches led to the development of a new combined classification model, taking into account the scope of the principles, the nature of their relationship with the state, the degree of formalization, and their direction. This model presents four main categories of principles encompassing all aspects of local self-government activities. The research established that existing classifications do not fully reflect the diversity of local self-government principles and their interrelations within the system of public authority. The proposed combined classification provides a more complete and systematic understanding of local self-government principles and can be used to improve legislation and law enforcement practices. The research results contribute to the formation of more adequate understandings of the place and role of local self-government within the «unified system of public authority», promoting the development of the theory and practice of municipal law and allowing for the development of recommendations for improving legislation in this area. Particular attention is paid to the principles governing the interaction between local self-government bodies and state structures, which is critically important within the emerging unified system of public authority in Russia. Further research could focus on studying the practical application of the proposed classification in law enforcement practice and developing recommendations for improving legislation that takes into account the constitutional principles of autonomy and decentralization of local self-government.