Competition among States and Local Governments: Efficiency and Equity in American Federalism

Is competition among states and local governments detrimental to public service levels and tax systems or does it promote government efficiency and responsiveness? This volume takes a fresh look at the effects of competition among state and local governments and how certain federal policies can moderate or exacerbate the negative consequences of such rivalry. One of two perspectives is typically used to view such competition: the political science perspective of a model of federalism and the economic perspective of competition among firms in a market economy. This volume explores both.