Chapter 17: Problem 37

Why are expenditures such as crime prevention and education typically done at the state and local level rather than at the federal level?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Expenditures such as crime prevention and education are typically done at the state and local level rather than at the federal level due to the nature of federalism, which divides power between central and constituent political units. State and local governments have a better understanding of their communities' specific needs, allowing them to tailor policies accordingly. This also enables variation and experimentation in policies, leading to the development of best practices. Furthermore, state and local governments are generally more responsive and accountable to their citizens, fostering increased trust in governance.

Step by step solution

Understanding Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority (the federal government) and constituent political units (state and local government). This allows each level of government to address specific issues that fall under their jurisdiction, based on the principle of subsidiarity.

Differing Jurisdictions

Each level of government has its jurisdiction to handle certain types of issues. The federal government focuses on matters concerning the entire nation, such as defense and foreign policy. In contrast, state and local governments handle regional or local issues, as they have a more in-depth understanding of the specific needs of their communities.

Tailoring Policies to Local Needs

By handling areas like crime prevention and education at the state and local level, governments can better tailor policies to address the specific challenges faced by their communities. This allows for localized solutions that might not be directly applicable or hard to implement effectively on a national level.

Variation and Experimentation

Another advantage of devolving authority to state and local governments is that it allows them to experiment with different policies and approaches. This results in a diversity of solutions that can be measured and compared, allowing for the development of best practices that can be adopted by other jurisdictions.

Responsiveness and Accountability

State and local governments are generally more responsive and accountable to the citizens they serve since they're closer to the issues. This proximity allows them to react more quickly to changing circumstances. It also fosters a more direct relationship between the citizens and their representatives, which can lead to increased trust in governance. In conclusion, expenditures like crime prevention and education are typically done at the state and local level rather than at the federal level due to the nature of federalism, the benefits of tailored policies, the ability to experiment with different approaches, and increased responsiveness and accountability.