This concept describes a system of governance where national, state, and local governments interact cooperatively and collectively to solve common problems, rather than making policies separately. It is characterized by shared responsibilities, resources, and authority in addressing public policy challenges. An example is the implementation of environmental regulations, where the federal government sets standards, and states play a significant role in enforcement and monitoring.
The importance of this intergovernmental collaboration lies in its ability to leverage the strengths of different levels of government, leading to more effective and responsive policies. It allows for flexibility in addressing diverse local needs while maintaining a degree of national uniformity. Historically, this model evolved in response to the increasing complexity of societal issues and the limitations of a purely dual system where each level operated in distinct spheres.