National-Local Relations

The National-Local Relations

Three Central Concepts

• Centralization

• Decentralization

• Local Autonomy

Centralization

• Authority and responsibility are concentrated in a central government unit.

• The central government controls field units and local governments by setting limits, dictating terms, and monitoring performance.

Decentralizing

• Dispersal of power, authority, and responsibility from the central government to lower levels.

• Allocation of powers and functions from the center to regional bodies or sub-national levels.

Three Modes of Decentralization

• Devolution

• Deconcentration

• Privatization/Debureaucratization

Devolution

• Transfer of power from national authorities to lower levels of government.

• Transfers power to political subdivisions of the state.

• Example: National government giving local government units the power to regulate and license businesses.

Deconcentration

• Delegating functions from the central government to lower levels or regional/field units.

• Transfer of authority within the administrative jurisdiction of national government agencies.

• Example: Secretary of Health delegating authority to Regional Director to appoint employees.

Privatization / Debureaucratization

• Contracting out governmental functions to non-state institutions.

• Example: Makati City hiring a private company for janitorial services.

Local Autonomy (according to Brillantes)

• Requires:

  • Locally elected officials.

  • Well-defined area of responsibility.

  • Clear delineation of national-local government relations.

  • Ability to generate local resources.