Principle of subsidiarity

Definition

The principle of subsidiarity is a fundamental concept in governance that asserts decisions should be made at the lowest possible level of authority, closest to the citizens affected by those decisions. This principle emphasizes that higher levels of government should only intervene when lower levels cannot effectively address issues, promoting local autonomy and tailored solutions to specific needs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The principle of subsidiarity is rooted in the idea that local entities are often better positioned to understand and respond to their own unique challenges compared to distant authorities.
2. In practice, subsidiarity leads to more efficient allocation of resources as it encourages local governments to take responsibility for their own affairs.
3. The principle is often associated with the European Union's governance model, where it underpins the relationship between the EU and member states.
4. Applying subsidiarity can enhance democratic participation by empowering local communities and fostering a sense of ownership over governance.
5. Critics argue that strict adherence to this principle can sometimes hinder national coherence and lead to disparities in policy implementation across regions.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of subsidiarity support the idea of local governance in the context of fiscal federalism?
  • The principle of subsidiarity promotes local governance by encouraging decision-making at the community level, where citizens are directly impacted by policies. In fiscal federalism, this allows local governments to manage their own budgets and allocate resources based on specific regional needs. By supporting this bottom-up approach, subsidiarity can lead to more effective governance as local entities are typically more aware of their unique challenges and can respond accordingly.
• Discuss how decentralization interacts with the principle of subsidiarity in promoting effective governance.
  • Decentralization complements the principle of subsidiarity by redistributing power and resources from central authorities to local governments. This interaction helps ensure that local entities have the authority and capability to address their specific issues effectively. As a result, decentralization can reinforce subsidiarity by enabling local decision-makers to implement tailored solutions that reflect community priorities, ultimately leading to improved governance outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of adhering strictly to the principle of subsidiarity for national policy coherence and equity among regions.
  • While strict adherence to the principle of subsidiarity enhances local autonomy and responsiveness, it may also lead to challenges in achieving national policy coherence and equity among regions. If local governments have significant discretion without adequate oversight or support from higher levels, disparities in resources and services can emerge. This might result in some regions thriving while others struggle, creating imbalances that challenge national unity and equitable development across the entire jurisdiction.

Related terms

Fiscal Federalism: A framework that examines the financial relations between different levels of government, focusing on the distribution of resources and responsibilities.

Decentralization: The process of redistributing or dispersing functions, powers, people, or decision-making away from a central authority.

Local Governance: The administration of public policies and services at a local level, where communities can participate in decision-making processes.