subsidiarity
sub-sid-ee-AIR-ih-tee
/səbˌsɪdiˈærɪti/
The principle that political and administrative decisions should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority.
Implies that central authorities should perform only those tasks that cannot be performed effectively at a local level.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'subsidium' (reserve troops brought in to assist). Catholic social teaching formulated the principle in 1931 (Pope Pius XI's encyclical Quadragesimo Anno) to defend local communities against state overreach, and it was later adopted into EU treaties.
Word relationships
- decentralism: 'Decentralism' is a general movement away from the center, whereas 'subsidiarity' is a specific philosophical rule regarding decision-making levels.
- centralism: Centralism dictates that central bodies should direct all policy, contrary to subsidiarity.
Commonly confused with
- subsidy: A subsidy is a government grant of money; subsidiarity is a governance principle favoring local action.
Word family
- subsidiary (adjective / noun): Secondary, or serving to assist.
Collocations
- principle of subsidiarity
- apply subsidiarity
- respect subsidiarity
Example sentences
- "Under the principle of subsidiarity, the European Union acts only when member state action is insufficient." European constitutional law
Memory hook
SUB (under) authority handles things, higher bodies only give SUBSIDIARY help when needed. Local level decides first.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'subsidy' (financial grant); subsidiarity is a structural constitutional principle.
Fun facts
- Subsidiarity became a foundational principle of European Union law in the 1992 Maastricht Treaty.
Related words
Explore more words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.