Education and the Crisis of Local Government

Alexis de Tocqueville, one of the most famous early students of the American republic, once praised the small towns of early America as evidence that "the government really does emanate from the governed." Several decades later, English theorist John Stuart Mill extolled the benefits of local government, including an opportunity for large numbers of the citizenry to participate in the democratic process. Since the early days, America has placed a lot of faith in local governments, allowing local entities to control their own affairs. Democracy emanates in many ways in America, from local PTA meetings at schools across the nation to county commission and school board meetings.

In recent years, as society has become more urbanized, politics has become more centralized. The rise of cable media has given politics a national focus, and Americans have become far more interested in the 'horse race' approach to congressional and presidential politics. Additionally, as more top performers in small towns across the country have moved to larger cities, there have been crises of local leadership. A number of modern social theorists have traced the evolution of rampant political corruption in rural areas to declining population in the face of fewer opportunities in small towns and the exclusive opportunities of large cities. As social commentators debate the consequences of this centralization of American life, it appears to have been exacerbated by the economic crisis.

Marie Leech of the Birmingham News reported yesterday that the Alabama Board of Education voted to take over the finances of Coosa and Sumter county schools, two rural Alabama systems. Five other systems in predominately rural counties also reported having to borrow money, and 25 additional systems reported anticipating a need to borrow money in the near future. Thus, of 103 responding school systems to a statewide financial survey, at least 32 or almost a third of respondents were experiencing some form of significant financial distress.

What is the result? The result will be more state control, and ultimately, more federal control, at the expense of local control. Some are quick to say that local control is a thing of the past, and we should embrace this new era of centralization. However, America's republic is based on the idea that each geographic region of the country needs strong local leaders. The next generation of governors, congressmen, and senators will most likely cut their teeth on local school boards, county commissions, and city halls. Additionally, citizens benefit when they have a direct say in local affairs. There are fewer bureaucratic channels and fewer stakeholders to take into consideration. For generations, small towns have served as a buffer against the aggressive federal government set up against our constitution. Now, as citizens leave for the cities and the economic crisis threatens the country, this system of local government will be called even more into question.

Conservatives should consider stepping up to defend this way of life. The best way to reduce spending in Washington is to empower local communities to take charge of more of their own affairs. Additionally, America's system of representation depends on cultivating strong talent locally. Over decades, local control has begun to evaporate, something Tocqueville also anticipated. However, with that goes a piece of our history and tradition which should not be lost entirely without a fight.