Many national governments are devolving powers,allowing decisions to be made at regional and municipal levels. Problems are best solved where they arise, and long distances thwart efficiency. At the same time, democracy grows stronger the more citizens are involved in decision-making. Most people, moreover, find it easier to judge the performance of their mayor than that of national leaders. To rise to their duties, subnational levels of government obviously need sufficient funds. Roads, educational facilities and other kinds of infrastructure cost money. National governments, however, tend to dispense responsibilities more generously than funds.
