Background The centralization ratio measures the proportion of total direct government expenditures made by the central government · See Table20.1 Incorrectly measures power if state and local governments are mandated to spend money on certain programs4 Background • The centralization ratio measures the proportion of total direct government expenditures made by the central government. • See Table 20.1 • Incorrectly measures power if state and local governments are mandated to spend money on certain programs