1. In a Federal System, such as that of the United States, citizens play an active role. They are able to participate in local, state, and national government. This implies that people can run for office, participate in civic affairs, and choose representatives to serve in both state and federal legislatures. Since the federal structure makes it possible to create policies that are specifically tailored to the demands of various regions, public involvement is essential for issues that are both local and national.
Confederation systems function in a distinct way. Under these structures, most power is held by individual states or regions, with a generally weak central government. As a result of this decentralization, local residents frequently have more power. They take a more active role in local governance since important decisions are decided upon closer to the community level. Even if it means their opinions are less heard on national topics, this arrangement gives citizens the power to make decisions that represent their own cultural and regional demands.
In contrast, unitary systems keep most political power centralized within the national government. Compared to federal and confederation systems, the role of citizens is far more restricted here. Voting and expressing of views are still available to the public, although the majority of important choices are made by the federal government. When local issues may not receive as much priority as they should, this concentration of power may cause residents to feel less connected to their government. It may be difficult for local voices to have an impact on national policies due to the distance between individuals and policymakers.
2. The system of division of power, also known as separation of power, is a fundamental principle in many democratic governments which attempts to prevent the concentration of authority in any one branch. Division of power is done within three branches of government. They are the legislative branch which is responsible of making laws. The executive branch which is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. And the judiciary branch which is responsible for interpreting laws and the constitution. This division is done so that there would be a distinct responsibility among government officials. Each branch has its own specific duties and powers, which are often defined in a constitution. Also, there is division of power so that there would be checks and balances among the branches. These branches have the ability to limit and control each other’s actions, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.
This system of division of power aims to protect individual rights, prevent abuses of power, and ensure that government actions require cooperation and compromise between different branches.
3. The state and municipal governments of New York were greatly impacted by the federal government’s financing, mandates, and direct help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Billions of funds were given by the federal government to support New York’s healthcare systems, testing, vaccination campaigns, and economic recovery through programs like the CARES Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and the American Rescue Plan. For example, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, established by the CARES Act, provided New York with about $5.1 billion to pay expenses related to vital equipment and salaries for public health workers. Furthermore, the American Rescue Plan provided significant funding to New York’s municipal governments, small companies, and schools, enabling them to carry on with operations despite significant revenue losses.
In addition to providing cash, the federal government shaped state policies regarding pandemic response tactics. Federal regulations pertaining to public health measures, like social distance and masking, were enforced throughout the State of New York, influencing daily operations within state and municipal agencies as well as policy decisions. Guidelines for school closures, company operations, and quarantine procedures were generally accepted by New York, thanks to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Moreover, programs such as the USNS Comfort hospital ship’s deployment to New York City highlighted government assistance for regional healthcare systems during times of high infection rates.
The federal government’s role in guiding and assisting state and municipal pandemic responses is shown by this mix of financial support and regulatory direction, which enabled New York to quickly adjust and continue vital services during an unprecedented health crisis.
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