The pitfalls of political decentralization and proposals for reform: The case of New York City public schools

How are politically decentralized programs vulnerable to corruption and what ran we do about it? As we move toward increasing devolution of government, corruption is likely to burgeon unless we develop proper safeguards. This article identifies and analyzes the structural features of decentralization that invite, facilitate, and even necessitate wrongdoing through a case study of the New York City public school system, where program vulnerabilities have led to widespread, systemic corruption. The article makes detailed recommendations for ways to lessen these problems through institutional changes designed to curb corruption opportunities and reforms to strengthen deterrence without increasing burdensome rules and regulations.