Title: Equality, Development Equivalence and Federal Finance in Argentina
Abstract: Since its creation in the 19th century, the federal structure of Argentina was characterized by big divergences between the regional units, which the Federal Constitution tried to address. Given the consequent divergences derived from economy, geography and demography, besides other aspects, achieving equality regarding competences and rights did not imply a similar equivalence regarding the level of development and opportunities for each of the federate unites. Hundred fifty years later, despite the last Constitutional Convention Reform aiming for 'equivalent development' and equality, significant differences remain. While focusing on the role assigned to the federal-fiscal scheme, this chapter analyses the process aiming at reaching 'equivalent development', its challenges, limits and possibilities.