Define Scope

Best Practice

Businesses methodically assess which markets to participate in based on their strengths and weaknesses. Their market entry decisions are based on where they are likely to be profitable- where they are likely to be successful.

Federal Government: Business As Usual

Shouldn't the federal government conduct similar assessments and due diligence before expanding its roles and the services it provides? The powers of the federal government, particularly Congress, have slowly expanded since the creation of our Constitution in 1787. One of the most commonly cited authorities for expansion of power, as defended in the U.S. Supreme Court, is the Interstate Commerce Clause.

The scope of the federal government is a highly divisive and partisan issue. This is because the role of government has varying meaning to all citizens based on beliefs driven by their individuals' needs and priorities. 

Uncle Sam Inc

An impartial, fact-based approach to determining the scope of government is essential to reducing costs and improving services for the American people. 

A new "service" can be any new activity conducted by the federal government to include, but not limited to, regulatory activities, entitlements, security, stimuli, and foreign relationships.

Not only should new services be reviewed, but existing services should be reviewed too. Businesses must continually review the profitability and relevance of their product lines to determine whether to sustain, improve, transform, or eliminate them.

A few critical questions that should form the basis for this review:

• Is the federal government the best steward of the proposed service? (versus private industry, state / commonwealth government, or municipal government)
• Is the cost of the service worth the value it will provide to Americans? If cost outweighs value, can we accept the risk of not receiving this service?
• Does the federal government already have similar competencies and experience that makes it fit to provide this service?