Elected local government is the essence of the US

political system. Most european countries have more centralized governments. Even Canada and UK has more centralized government than US. This was originated when european settlers arrived to North America to form settlements without authorities above them so self-governing became a necessity. 

The essence of an effective self-governed society include: elected officials; local-level laws and law enforcement; local tax funded public services such as road, emergence services, and education.