Governance and Competitive Federalism in Driving Change

Topic: Government
Words: 582 Pages: 2

Introduction

Any state can be viewed as a complex mechanism consisting of numerous details. It means that its work depends on the alignment and interaction between all parts. Thus, the government usually acts as the unique body with the authority to control the interaction between all entities existing within a country and ensure there are no defects. Its power comes from people and their readiness to obey. Following the Bible, “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience” (The Holy Bible, New International Version, Romans 13:5). For this reason, the choice of the model of governing and interactions should be linked to individuals’ needs. Thus, in America, federalism emerged due to the historical evolution and the need to align the interaction between various states. However, it is not perfect, and numerous attempts exist to improve it.

Competitive Federalism

For instance, Professor Tom Dye introduces the term competitive federalism and the state model based on it. It implies the existence of and desirability of competition between governments and jurisdictions within the current federal system (Dye, 1990a). The given model will cultivate better outcomes because of being more responsive to people and the needs existing at the moment (Dye, 1990b). The ability to control specific resources or authority can be granted if the government is effective and resolves current issues (Dye, 1990a). In such a way, the model can be a better approach to aligning the interaction within states and ensuring increased outcomes, more people’s involvement, and the ability to generate public good.

Overlapping powers are central to the idea of competitive federalism. Thus, competition in public policy might stimulate the better work of the local governments (Paletz et al., 2012). Decentralization due to the implementation of the model permits authorities to match services with various demands (Dye, 1990b). As a result, higher flexibility and involvement levels can be observed. Moreover, intergovernmental relations (IGR) might benefit from the lack of traditional subordination and authority (Burke, 2014). Based on the competition model, IGR will become more effective and flexible, which is essential for better results (Burke, 2014). For this reason, competitive federalism might be a working and effective model necessary for improving the existing system.

Finally, competitive federalism does not contradict the existing approach to distributing power. Federalism implies a constitutional division of available government power between the national and smaller local governments. Currently, the lack of competition impacts the acceptance and use of the same measures and the overall agreement over standard issues. However, introducing the new model might lead to reconsidering the approach and employment of new means of government. The intergovernmental competition will allow interest groups to address various authorities and bodies, meaning they will be more interested in problem resolution (Burke, 2014). In such a way, the model offered by Dye might serve as a potent stimulus for reconsidering the methods employed and the moment and shifting priorities towards a more flexible approach.

Conclusion

Altogether, by analyzing the idea of competitive federalism, it is possible to make several important assumptions. First, it rests on the idea that competition is desired within the existing federal system. The Biblical view of power implies that people should obey because of their conscience and desire to live in peace. However, this concept should be combined with modern needs to meet citizens’ demands. For this reason, introducing additional competition to the government is one of the effective ways to attain better results.

References

Burke, B. (2014). Understanding intergovernmental relations, twenty-five years hence. State & Local Government Review, 46(1), 63-76. Web.

Dye, T. (1990a). American federalism: Competition among governments. Lexington Books.

Dye, T. (1990b). The policy consequences of intergovernmental competition. Cato Journal, 10(1), 59-74.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.

Paletz, D., Owen, D., & Cook, T. (2012). 21st century American government and politics. LardBucket. Web.