Which term describes the competition between different levels of government to address public policy issues?

The term that describes the competition between different levels of government to address public policy issues is federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various regional authorities. In the context of the United States, this refers to the relationship between the national, state, and local governments.

In a federalist system, different levels of government can address similar issues, leading to competition and sometimes conflict as they attempt to implement policies. This competition can drive innovation and responsiveness, as governments may seek to outperform each other in addressing public needs. For example, states may implement unique policy solutions which can serve as a model for other states or even the federal government.

In contrast, delegation would refer to the assignment of responsibility from one entity to another, often seen in the context of administrative functions. Intervention implies a direct action taken by one government level to influence or alter the actions of another, which is not the same as competition. Collaboration indicates cooperation among different governments, which does not highlight the competitive aspect.