---
entity_slug: public_works_funding_mechanisms
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:14:40.269632'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies specific funding mechanisms (tolls,
    local taxes, general revenue, forced labour) and their application to concrete
    infrastructure types. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct concept, though
    it could be slightly more precise about what constitutes a "mechanism" versus
    the funding sources themselves.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's detailed analysis in Book
    V, Chapter 1, where he extensively discusses different methods of financing public
    works and their respective advantages and disadvantages. The specific funding
    methods listed (tolls, taxes, general revenue) are explicitly examined by Smith
    in this context.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is appropriate since Smith treats
    public works funding as a matter of governmental policy and institutional design.
    This falls squarely within his analysis of the proper role and methods of government
    in providing public goods.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal
    regulation) as it concerns resource allocation mechanisms within the governmental
    system. However, it also touches on S1 (operational delivery of public goods)
    and S4 (adapting funding to environmental needs), making it somewhat distributed
    across systems.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating the structural
    relationship between funding mechanisms and public works delivery, which is central
    to Smith's analysis of government efficiency. It captures an important mechanism
    rather than just naming a surface phenomenon, though the explanatory value could
    be enhanced by more explicit connection to outcomes.
---

# Evaluation: Public Works Funding Mechanisms

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies specific funding mechanisms (tolls, local taxes, general revenue, forced labour) and their application to concrete infrastructure types. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct concept, though it could be slightly more precise about what constitutes a "mechanism" versus the funding sources themselves.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's detailed analysis in Book V, Chapter 1, where he extensively discusses different methods of financing public works and their respective advantages and disadvantages. The specific funding methods listed (tolls, taxes, general revenue) are explicitly examined by Smith in this context.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is appropriate since Smith treats public works funding as a matter of governmental policy and institutional design. This falls squarely within his analysis of the proper role and methods of government in providing public goods.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal regulation) as it concerns resource allocation mechanisms within the governmental system. However, it also touches on S1 (operational delivery of public goods) and S4 (adapting funding to environmental needs), making it somewhat distributed across systems.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating the structural relationship between funding mechanisms and public works delivery, which is central to Smith's analysis of government efficiency. It captures an important mechanism rather than just naming a surface phenomenon, though the explanatory value could be enhanced by more explicit connection to outcomes.
