- Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government, among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.
- Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.
- How does the federal government shape the actions of state and local governments? Write your answer based on doing a bit of research on how the federal government has influenced the actions of NY state and local governments, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Powered by:
top
1. In a federal system, like the United States, citizens participate in government by voting for representatives at multiple levels; local, state, and national. This system allows for the balance of power between different levels of government, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in various arenas. In a confederation, the power is held primarily by the local governments, and the central authority is relatively weak. Citizens have a more direct influence on their local governments, which hold most of the governing power. This system can lead to a high degree of local autonomy but may struggle with national unity and coordination. In a unitary system, the central government holds a majority of the power, and local governments have little autonomy. Citizens primarily interact with the central government, which makes most of the decisions. This can lead to more uniform policies but may also result in less local representation.
2. The system of division of power, often referred to as the separation of powers, involves distributing governmental powers among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Typically, this includes the legislative branch, which makes laws; the executive branch, which enforces laws; and the judicial branch, which interprets laws. This system ensures a balance of power and provides checks and balances, where each branch can limit the powers of the others, promoting accountability and preventing abuses of power. For a visual explanation, you can watch this TED-Ed video which describes how power is divided in the United States government. It explains the roles and functions of each branch and how they interact through checks and balances.
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government significantly influenced the actions of New York state and local governments through various measures. The federal government provided substantial financial aid to New York through multiple relief packages, including funds for healthcare, unemployment benefits, and support for businesses. For instance, New York received over $130 billion in federal aid to manage the pandemic’s impact. Federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines on social distancing, mask-wearing, and vaccination, which New York adopted and enforced at the state and local levels. Federal economic policies, such as stimulus checks and enhanced unemployment benefits, helped mitigate the economic fallout in New York. These measures supported individuals and businesses, helping to stabilize the state’s economy during the crisis. Additionally, the federal government coordinated with state and local authorities to ensure the distribution of medical supplies, vaccines, and other critical resources. This collaboration was crucial in managing the public health response and ensuring New York had the necessary tools to combat the pandemic. These actions highlight the role of the federal government in shaping state and local responses to the pandemic, demonstrating the interconnectedness of different levels of government in addressing national crises.