subsidiarity
Definition
Noun: 1. The principle that a central authority should perform only those tasks which cannot be performed at a more local or immediate level. This concept, often used in political and organizational theory, holds that matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. 2. Secondary importance; the state of being subsidiary or auxiliary. This meaning refers to the quality of being supplementary or serving to assist something more primary.
Usage Examples
- The European Union's principle of subsidiarity ensures that decisions are taken as closely as possible to the citizen.
- In federal systems, subsidiarity helps determine which level of government is responsible for specific policies.
- The committee's role was one of subsidiarity, providing support to the main executive board rather than making final decisions.
Advanced Usage
- Principle of subsidiarity: A formal term used in political science, governance, and Catholic social teaching to describe the systematic application of this concept.
- The treaty was amended to strengthen the principle of subsidiarity.
- Subsidiarity and proportionality: Often paired in EU law, where subsidiarity dictates the Union should act, and proportionality dictates it should act.
- The proposed legislation was reviewed for compliance with subsidiarity and proportionality.
Variants and Related Words
- Subsidiary (adjective): Functioning in a supporting or auxiliary capacity.
- The company established a subsidiary office in the region.
- Subsidiary (noun): A company controlled by a holding or parent company.
- Subsidize (verb): To support financially.
- The government chose to subsidize the renewable energy industry.
Synonyms
- Decentralization (specifically for the governance meaning)
- Secondary role
- Auxiliary status
- Subordination
Antonyms
- Centralization
- Primacy
- Supremacy
- Primary importance
Related Phrases
- Devolution of power: The statutory delegation of powers from a central government to a regional level, closely related to the principle of subsidiarity.
- Bottom-up governance: An approach where local initiatives drive higher-level policy, reflecting subsidiarity.
Noun
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secondary importance
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