decentralized government
Power spread outward
Decentralized government distributes political power across multiple levels or regions rather than concentrating it in a single central authority.
Federal systems like the United States or Germany exemplify this structure, with states or provinces retaining significant autonomy.
The founders designed a decentralized government to prevent tyranny.
The concept extends beyond federalism to include any system where local bodies exercise independent decision-making power.
- regional autonomySubnational self-governance within state
- delegationTransferring responsibility downward
- subsidiarityLocal authority when able
- bottom-up approachStrategy beginning at base
- constitutional provisionsLaws within a founding document
federalism · devolution · confederation · revenue sharing · civic engagement · community participation · local taxation · participatory democracy · grassroots activism · local leadership · town hall meeting · local councils · village council · public consultation · neighborhood associations · community investment · home rule · states' rights
decentralized governmentcentralized government
Authority held by one body
centralized authority · autocracy · absolute monarchy · dictatorship · centralized power
decentralized governmentcentralized planning
Authority directs all economic activity
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