Decentralization involves shifting some responsibilities, once in the hands of national
government, into the hands of subnational governments. As decentralization reforms are
implemented, the creation of additional tiers of government is a common by-product. This means
that not only has another political arena been added where political actors will compete for
governing power, but it also provides for many localized decision-making processes, which
provide citizens with multiple chances to participate and give consent to policy-makers and for