Centralization and Decentralization Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Both forms, centralization and decentralization of power, have advantages and disadvantages for the state and citizens. Decentralized power has a broader structure and permits greater individual freedom. In them, decision making is closer to markets and central control is less formalized. Centralization leads to greater rigidity and more formalized central control. For the Congress centralization is better because it allows a formalized control and hierarchical relations between different branches of power.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the government power was centralized. The causes of centralization were economic crisis (the Great Depression) and WWI and WWII. During this period of time, the government introduced social security and wages lows, tax on income etc (Wallin n.d.). The greater the degree of specialization, the greater the tendency to concentrate on individual functions while losing sight of overall federal objectives. Decentralization of the party system began since mid-1970s with Jimmy Carter, Ronald Regan and Clinton’s administration. Specialization of task by units resulted in fragmentation and created problems in communication and coordination (Wallin n.d.). Thus, in political parties conflicts may arise among group, functional, and territorial politicians, even though all are preoccupied with the same policy and strategies. The main success of decentralization is welfare reform (1996). Decentralization causes fiscal imbalances and intergovernmental disputes. Following Dodd & Oppenheimer (2000) Northern Democrats were excluded from power “not only because of decentralization and cross-partisan rule that defined the Congresses of the mid – twentieth century. It was presidential leadership as well” (381). In modern period, decentralization of decision making varies among departments and party members. This affords greater autonomy for party leaders and an advisory position for the central Congress members.

Historical examples suggest that centralization is better for the party leadership and the state because it prevents imbalances in power and resource location. Ideally, the part leadership should achieve a balance between centralized and decentralized approaches. Decentralization permits speedier decisions and adjustments, authority to act at lower levels, the development, and recognition of both the latitude accorded specialized or independent functions and the heterogeneity of activities (Dodd and Oppenheimer 382). Centralization coordinates specialized departments and their activities into wholes. Central leadership is concerned with the future direction of the party, which it has the power to alter, since centralized staffs are available to serve divisional needs. Advocates of central party system state that it facilitates the performance of specialized units, welds independent divisions into a total complex, sets goals for the entire party, allots each unit its role and appraises its functioning, strives for organizational balance, and fits all the departments into a system. Thus decentralized, they divide the work of the party among people through delegation (Davidson and Oleszech 25). As a result, the cost and power of decision making within the state is also divided. Although no optimal method of party system exists, good arrangements are possible through continuous adjustment and monitoring of effectiveness. A distinction may be drawn between the basic party organization under the democratic philosophy and under the more traditional approach. In general, the party systems lend themselves to decentralization and units to centralization. As greater authority passes down the line closer to authority and decision-making, decentralization brings a need for increased centralization at every level, thereby creating problems of coordination. Decentralization of the party should be actively guided and controlled from above.

Works Cited

Davidson, R. H., & Oleszech, W. J. Congress and Its Members. CQ Press; 9th edition, 2003.

Dodd, L. C., & Oppenheimer, B. I. Congress Reconsidered. Congressional Quarterly Books; 7 ed edition, 2000.

Wallin, B. Forces Behind Centralization and decentralization in the United States. n.d. Web.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2021, October 27). Centralization and Decentralization. https://ivypanda.com/essays/centralization-and-decentralization/

Work Cited

"Centralization and Decentralization." IvyPanda, 27 Oct. 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/centralization-and-decentralization/.

References

IvyPanda. (2021) 'Centralization and Decentralization'. 27 October.

References

IvyPanda. 2021. "Centralization and Decentralization." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/centralization-and-decentralization/.

1. IvyPanda. "Centralization and Decentralization." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/centralization-and-decentralization/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "Centralization and Decentralization." October 27, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/centralization-and-decentralization/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1