Pragmatic Federalism: The Reassignment of Functional Responsibility

摘要

This report comprises the third phase of research by the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations dealing with factors impeding the effectiveness of the Federal system. Information on the extent of, reasons for, and results from municipal transfers of functional responsibilities is provided, based on data on transfers and assumptions of functional responsibilities by municipalities with a population over 2,500. To facilitate the rational assignment of functional responsibilities, criteria for the assignment of urban functions are devised. They pertain to economic efficiency, fiscal equity, political accountability, and administrative effectiveness. Constitutional and statutory provisions relating to transfers of functional responsibilities are examined. The assumption of responsibility for transfer functions by counties, particularly home rule counties, is considered. Various aspects of functional responsibility transfers are explored: types of functional transfers, recipients of and reasons for transfers, results of transfers, effects on middle - tier governmental units, plans for transfer, and other service arrangements. The assumption of functional responsibility by private firms, counties, municipalities, and State governments is described. While it is anticipated that there will continue to be a trend toward the devolution of responsibility for functions closest to the people such as schools, police, and health services, it is felt that the growing financial problems of large central cities housing an increasing percentage of low - income families will augment the pressure for the transfer of either complete or financial responsibility for such functions as public education and public welfare to State and Federal levels of government. Issues concerning the impact of functional transfers on the Federal system and on society in general are discussed.