Leidende motieven bij decentralisatie. Discours, doelstelling en daad in het Huis van Thorbecke

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is the administrative relation between the levels of authority in the Netherlands. Focus of attention within this study is the distribution of administrative tasks and legislative power between government tiers. And more particular the way it has developed since the constitutional reform in 1848; what motives have underpinned the fluctuating ways in which responsibilities and powers were divided. The constitutional reform of 1848 has laid the foundation for the current administrative structure. A three tiers-system forms the basis of its organisation. Decentralization, the transfer of functions and powers of the national government to the provinces and municipalities, gives meaning to the administrative stratification. This study shows that in The Netherlands the leitmotiv for decentralization is to improve the governmental performance; efficiency, standardization and simplification are recurring objectives. Decentralization is also often used as an instrument to resolve specific policy issues. A third motive for decentralisation is improvement of the administration and organisation of government. This study shows there is little debate about the underlying motives for decentralization. In some occasions articles of (constitutional) law are changed without any parliamentary debate whatsoever. Even if debate takes place, justifications are often unfounded or accompanied by defective reasoning.