Abstract: the study of the stages of formation of local self-government shows that the existence of a legal framework for the development of local self-government is not enough, there is the main problem of our time – the attitude of the population to the implementation of local self-government. Every day we face the problems of local self-government, and depending on how the law is improved, how the local self-government bodies work, how the population understands its role and the responsibility entrusted to it, the level of its welfare will depend on the life support. It is also important to have real support from the state for municipalities in the transfer of powers, responsibilities, financial resources, training, etc. There is often a feeling that the public authorities are unable or unwilling to help municipalities. Therefore, the problems of local self-government reforms are called the same every time. This article deals with the key stages of development and transformation of local self-government. Various historical periods of the process of formation and formation of local self-government bodies, from Ancient Russia to the present time, were analyzed. The article traces the changes in the structure of local self-government that are being carried out in the Russian Federation at the present stage. The process of formation and development of local self-government bodies continued for a long time, but this did not make local self-government in Russia perfect.
Keywords: local government, municipal law, reform, municipal entities, districts