Congergational and Presbyterian Polity

What is the difference between congregational and Presbyterian polity?

The largest difference between a Congregational polity and a Presbyterian polity is the answer to the highest human (spiritual) authority. In a congregational style, the highest authority is the individual member, making up the local congregation. This means that members together as a local body, as a congregation, have the highest authority (under God) in that local church. In a Presbyterian polity, the highest authority is the General Assembly, dictating down to the Presbytery down to the Sessions. This removes the highest authority (except on the election of Elders) from the congregation and places it with Godly, wise men (Elders). This is my understanding of the largest difference on the polity issue.

For my own conviction, I believe Scripture shows a balance of the two. The Bible clearly shows a connection between local churches, unified under Godly men, unified under a set of Biblical doctrine and truth, and unified under a common cause and relationship of Kingdom expansion. But the Bible (and Jesus Himself) gives authority in many areas to each individual members in a local congregation on certain issues; such as Elder election, the Ordinances, and membership/discipline issues (along with all the physical stuff). I believe in a denominational structure of local churches but also a denominational structure that supports the local church (and members) to have authority on their own. I believe in a balance between the PCA and the SBC style polities.