1. In a federal system, the power is shared amongst central and regional governments; states or provinces. Voting for representatives at local, state, and national levels are left for citizens to participate in and influence laws and policies that affect their communities. In a confederation, the central government possesses little power, while individual states or provinces maintain the greater amount of authority. The central government will step in to address matters outside of their scope of authority, when delegated. On the other hand, in a unitary system the national government maintains total authority. They provide local and regional governments with authorities. People have to work with their local governments which operate under the practices of the central (national) government.
  2. The division of power is a set of principles that distributes governmental authority to specific branches of government. The legislative branch consists of the house of representatives and the senate. This branch is responsible for making laws. They can also have the power to impeach federal officials, d can override vetoes with ⅔ votes and approve federal judges to be appointed. The next is the executive branch that has the president, president’s cabinet, and vice president. This branch is responsible for enforcing laws. They can veto bills, issue pardons, and appoint federal judges. Lastly, is the judicial branch. This branch composes the supreme court and supreme court justices. This branch is responsible for interpreting laws. This branch can also declare acts of the president unconstitutional and can declare laws from the legislative branch unconstitutional.
  3. The federal government greatly impacted New York states’ call to action for the COVID-19 pandemic. They assisted with funding, safety protocols and guidelines, and emergency powers from the executive branch. New York abided by the CDC’s health recommendations; like lockdowns or [quarantines], mandating masks, social distancing, and business traffic and hours of operation restrictions. The CARES Act gave financial relief for hospitals, unemployment insurance, and economic aid. Governor Andrew Cuomo was influential in executing said federal recommendations at the state level (within his authority) and brought forth strict measures, such as early lockdowns and quarantine protocols. He also looked for additional resources from the federal government, including the National Guard deployment and medical supplies. Cuomo’s leadership and partnership with federal agencies were crucial in influencing New York’s response to the covid-19 pandemic.

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