What issue raises concerns regarding the effectiveness of local government?

The concern regarding the effectiveness of local government is primarily tied to whether it enhances accountability. Local governments are often seen as the most direct form of governance that affects people's daily lives. Their ability to be accountable to the community is crucial because it directly impacts how effectively they can respond to local needs and issues.

Accountability in local government means that elected officials and public servants are answerable to the citizens they serve. When local governments operate transparently and are held to high accountability standards, they can address local issues more effectively, ensuring that the public's needs and concerns are prioritized. This leads to stronger democratic processes and community trust in local governance.

In contrast, the other options are less relevant to the core functions and concerns of local government. Managing foreign relations and influencing international trade generally fall under the purview of national governments, while roles related to the military are typically not associated with local governance at all. Therefore, the issue of accountability remains central to discussions about the effectiveness of local government.