In a federal system, the power is shared among the citizens and the national as well as local governments. In a confederation, the citizens are mainly concerned with the local governments as the central government is weak. In a unitary system, the citizens are mainly concerned with the central government. In other words, the power of the citizens depends on the distribution of power. The division of power means dividing the power of the government between different levels, such as the national and local levels, so that no level has all the power. This allows each level to make decisions in its area while sharing some powers. This ensures that there is no abuse of power and that the people can participate in decision-making at different levels of government. But there is still a possibility of abuse of power if the levels or the leaders overreach or disregard the limits of power. Lastly, the federal government helps state and local governments by providing advice, money, and rules, but its ability to do so also depends on its speed of reaction. In the case of COVID-19 in New York, the slow federal government reaction meant that the state had to deal with overwhelmed hospitals, landfills, and lack of tests on its own. The federal government rules also guided the reopening of states and the distribution of vaccines, but its slow reaction meant that states became more confused and experienced more stress, which shows that the federal government can only provide rules and money, but its slow reaction can cause states to take drastic measures on their own.
Discussion Board 7.1
The United States has a federal system, which means the national government and the states both make decisions. This lets people vote and get involved, not just in big national elections but also in their own state and even their town. It feels like you can actually help shape what happens around you in your local area. Confederations differ because the states or regions are in charge of most matters, while the central government has little control. If I lived in a confederation, I think I’d pay a lot more attention to what my state was doing than anything happening nationally. The U.S. actually tried this with the Articles of Confederation, when each state mostly did its own thing. In a unitary system, the national government is in charge of almost everything, and local governments can only do what they’re allowed to. If I wanted to make a difference there, I’d probably have to focus on national elections, since local leaders wouldn’t have much power.
When people talk about dividing up power they’re really talking about how different parts of the government share what they’re in charge of. In the U.S. the national government handles foreign policy and interstate trade while the states handle schools, police, and local rules. I think this is a good way to ensure no part of the government gets too powerful, and it also means states can focus on what their own people need most.
When COVID-19 happened, the federal government had a big impact on what New York State and local governments did. When COVID-19 started, I remember how much the federal government affected what New York State and local leaders did. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act sent funds to hospitals, people who lost their jobs, and the CDC provided guidance on testing and vaccines. Because of all this, New York’s leaders had to rely heavily on the federal government for both funding and guidance while they tried to manage the pandemic.
Discussion Board 7.1- Brittney Coard
1 .Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.
The distribution of power is one of the main differences between these systems. In a system that’s unitary, towns and cities have little authority and the national government controls nearly all of the power. The US government and state governments share responsibility in a federal system. Voting along with interacting with both levels of government are ways in which citizens take part.
2 Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.
Different levels of government divide authority under the division of responsibilities arrangement. The federal government and state governments split authority in the United States. States deal with local issues like public safety, and public schooling, while the federal government deals with national issues.
3 How does the federal government shape the actions of state and local governments? (COVID-19 example in NY)
Through financing and national regulations, the federal government maintains having an effect on cities and states. The federal government provided financial assistance during COVID-19 through programs like the CARES Act and health guidance through the CDC. This changed how the state and local governments of New York managed the pandemic.
Discussion Board 7.1
- 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.
