subsidiarity
The principle that central authority should perform only those tasks which cannot be performed effectively at a more immediate or local level.
Presumes that the lowest, most local level of governance should be trusted first; higher intervention requires justification.
Word relationships
- grassroots governance: Grassroots governance describes local community action, whereas subsidiarity is a formal institutional doctrine regulating administrative hierarchy.
- centralized control: Centralized control assumes top-level managers or officials should oversee decisions regardless of local capabilities.
Commonly confused with
- subsidy: A subsidy is a financial grant given by a government; subsidiarity is the philosophical principle that political decisions should be handled locally.
Word family
- subsidiary (adjective): Secondary or auxiliary in role.
Collocations
- principle of subsidiarity
- apply subsidiarity
- subsidiarity test
- respect subsidiarity
Example sentences
- "Under the principle of subsidiarity, the Union shall act only if and in so far as the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States." European Union Law (Treaty on European Union (Article 5))
- "Adhering to subsidiarity ensures that civic decisions regarding local parks and school budgets remain in the hands of municipal councils." Governance Philosophy
Memory hook
SUBSIDIARITY = Central bodies serve as a SUBSIDIARY reserve, intervening only when local levels need aid. Decide at the lowest level.
When not to use
Do not confuse with financial 'subsidies'; subsidiarity is a political principle of decision-making authority, not monetary grants.
Fun facts
- Subsidiarity is one of the foundational legal principles of the European Union, codified in the Maastricht Treaty of 1992.
Related words
Explore more words
decentralize, devolution, decentralization, devolve, federalism, unitary
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