Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): March
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

DECENTRALIZATION AND GOVERNANCE: EVALUATING POLICY EFFECTIVENESS IN FEDERAL STRUCTURES

Authors

Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger , Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger , Javid Ahmad Kumar , Nadeem Mohi Ud Din

DOI:

10.54443/ijerlas.v5i2.2569

Published:

2025-03-12

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Abstract

Decentralization, the process of transferring authority and decision-making power from central governments to regional or local governments, plays a critical role in shaping governance in federal systems. This paper explores the relationship between decentralization and governance effectiveness, focusing on how decentralization impacts policy outcomes in federal structures. Through theoretical analysis and case studies from countries such as the United States, India, and Brazil, the paper evaluates the potential benefits and challenges associated with decentralized governance. The study examines how decentralization can improve policy effectiveness by better aligning decisions with local needs, but also highlights issues such as resource disparities, administrative capacity, and coordination challenges. The paper concludes with recommendations on how decentralization can be designed and implemented to enhance policy outcomes, improve governance efficiency, and achieve a more balanced and equitable distribution of public services.

Keywords:

Decentralization, Governance, Federalism, Policy Effectiveness, Federal Systems, Public Choice Theory, Fiscal Federalism, Local Governance, Administrative Capacity, Policy Coordination.

References

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Oates, W. E. (1999). An essay on fiscal federalism. Journal of Economic Literature, 37(3), 1120–1149.

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Author Biographies

Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger, Independent Researchers

Author Origin : India

Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger, Independent Researchers

Author Origin : India

Javid Ahmad Kumar, Independent Researchers

Author Origin : India

Nadeem Mohi Ud Din, Independent Researchers

Author Origin : India

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How to Cite

Shakeel Ahmad Ahanger, Zahoor Ahmad Ahanger, Javid Ahmad Kumar, & Nadeem Mohi Ud Din. (2025). DECENTRALIZATION AND GOVERNANCE: EVALUATING POLICY EFFECTIVENESS IN FEDERAL STRUCTURES. International Journal of Educational Review, Law And Social Sciences (IJERLAS), 5(2), 443–447. https://doi.org/10.54443/ijerlas.v5i2.2569

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