National defense is an obvious example, as are functions for which economies of scale are important. Where localities try to offload support for the poor onto other localities, the central government must step in and either fund such programs directly or set minimum standards.
然而，中央政府却能通过融资来更好行使某些职能。国防便是很好的例子，有赖于规模经济的其它职能亦是如此。一旦地方政府推诿援助贫困人口的责任，中央政府必须介入，直接出资支持或设定最低标准。