Centralization and decentralization

Centralization and decentralization are two systems of state organization. Within the framework of the first concept, it is stipulated that the government takes part in the general regulation of public life. Together with this, it seeks to direct the activities of the territorial authorities, subordinating to its immediate influence many or all aspects of territorial life. Decentralization of management provides for the delineation of the activities of local and state authorities. This concept has some kinship with the term "self-government", however, it is not identical to it. Decentralization is a broader concept, in view of the fact that it provides for full autonomy of the regions, a federal system. Thus self-management assumes obligatory dependence on uniform legislative authority. Along with this, such a phenomenon is permissible only in one part of the state, for one or several of its territories.

Initially, centralization and decentralization had different development and distribution across the territory. With insufficient number of routes, a consistent increase in state power and subsequent distribution of its influence on all aspects of the country's life was impossible. Together with this, a certain part of the population, representing the ruling circles, aspired to it. In the formation of a unified regulatory system, the authorities saw a political and economic means of exploiting the masses.

Centralization and decentralization were separate in ancient despotic states. Thus, the government appointed satraps (rulers) in separate provinces, demanded troops and money from them. The authorities could not exercise control over their activities. The rulers in their territories had almost complete independence.

Centralization and decentralization in the Roman Empire were somewhat balanced. Despite the autocratic system and the fact that the provinces were formed only to maintain a unified state power, the state recognized self-government in cities and provinces.

After the fall of the Roman Empire throughout Europe (with the exception of Byzantium), the state system did not provide for centralization. This was typical of many states of the time. Under the feudal system, there were also no conditions for the formation of a central system. Together with this, the royal power was developing. For example, in France it has achieved the greatest success. Subsequently, the principles of the French monarchy formed the basis of the structure of the republic. But with the republican state system in France, the principle of sovereignty is also used. However, managerial powers are under the control of a single state authority. At the same time self-government here is rather weakly developed.

The consistent implementation of centralization became possible only in the 19th century. During this period, favorable conditions were formed, in particular, the ways of communication developed and were well developed, the telegraph and mail functioned correctly.

It should be noted that certain state structures, in connection with their properties, can normally exist only under conditions of centralized management. These structures include the army, international trade, fleet and others. Means of communication (telegraph, mail), means of communication (railways) can not also be lost without loss to the authorities, whose competence extends to a small area. The existence and development of these areas require funding, the management of which is carried out according to the same principles, the same power.