1. Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government, among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.
  2. Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.
  3. 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.

5 thoughts on “Discussion Board 7.1”

  1. Overview of the U.S Government System

    1. Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens of governments among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems.

    Response: The primary differences in the role of citizens in government among the federal system are that power is SHARED between the national government and local government [states], while citizens have a direct role at both levels, in that they can vote for national and state leaders; and both the national and the state level can make laws that affects the people directly. Another difference in the role of citizens in government among the confederations is that power lies mostly with the INDIVIDUAL states or REGIONS. The central government is not that stable, and citizens are more connected to and or influenced by their state governments; they rely on their local leaders for decisions and services more than a national authority. Whereas the differences in the role in the role of citizens in government among the unitary systems are that the national government HOLDS ALL THE POWER, local governments exist but mostly carry out decisions made by the central government. Citizens usually vote at the national level, and most policies come from higher up.

    2. Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power.

    Response: The division of power is basically about how the jobs are shared or split between the local and state governments. Each level has different things they are in charge of, and some things that they share or handle together. The national government takes care of major things [ printing money, the military, and meeting and dealing with other countries] while the local government [states] handles things more on a local level, like schools, police, and local roads whereas the national and the local government both take care of and or handles some responsibilities that shared such as collecting taxes and or making laws. The general idea is to create a power balance, so that no one level becomes too strong, and allow the government to work better for both the country and the individual community as a whole.

    3. How does the federal government shape the actions of local government? 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.

    Response: Funding, regulations, coordination, and enforcement were how the federal government influenced the NY local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those actions were crucial in finding resources and aided in shaping policy decisions at the state and local municipal level while invoking legal and administrative pressures on local leaders to comply and respond. Let’s take a look at how each aspect of the federal government impacted/influenced NY, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; Funding-[ federal government sent billions of dollars in relief funds to help with hospital testing, vaccines, and keep essential services running], Regulations-[ federal government issued rules and mandates, like requiring healthcare workers and people overall to get vaccinated, which helped shaped policies], Coordination-[ this helped speed up the process of vaccine delivery through national programs] and Enforcement-[ the federal government aided the local government in launching investigations to ensure states were following certain rules and guidelines with the funding and health data]. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights that in times of crisis, federal and local governments must work together, balancing leadership, resources, and responsibilities with the goal ” To Protect the Public”.

  2. 1.) In the federal system citizens elect on a national, state, and local level, influence public policy and persuade public opinion, and live under the federal and state laws while in a confederate system citizens are under state authority, citizens have very little to do with the national government, and more to do with state government which directly affected them, and under a unitary system authority is from the national government and citizens would primarily participate in the government nationally.

    2.) the division of power basically is the divide between national and state/local governments and the divisions within it for check and balance purpose for example federal powers are like coining money and foreign affairs while some state powers include education and local policy while things like taxes flow between both the supremacy clause makes it so federal laws rule over state laws and the judicial system often handles checks between both segments of government

    3.) from what I gathered federal funds were used to supplement recovery due to tax revenue failures as well as relief and recovery grants and support from the federal government to New York after the CARES act and the CDC guidance that structured NYs public health mandate

  3. 1. Federal system power is shared between the central ( National) government and smaller regional governments like states. American citizens can be able to vote for leaders at both the national and state level government. For example in the US people vote for president at the federal level and a governor at the state level. Both governments can make laws that affect citizens.
    The Confederation system’s power is held mostly by regional governments with less of a weak central government. Citizens mainly deal with local governments and less direct power influence over individuals.
    Unitary system power is held by the central government, regional governments only get power that the central government gives them. Citizens mostly interact with the national government and have less influence over local decisions because those are controlled by the central government.

    2. Division of power means that government power is split between different levels or branches. The advantage of division of power is once the power is divided among sectors no one sector becomes more powerful and misuse the authority. This occurs in two main ways.
    In a federal system, power is divided between the federal government and state governments. Each level has its own responsibilities. The national government authorize for major activities such as printing money, international relationships and military. While local government handles activities such as education, healthcare, police, and infrastructure activities. Both governments have authority to collect taxes and make laws.
    These power is also divided in three branches as 1. Legislative ( Making laws) 2. Executive (Enforce Laws) 3. Judicial ( Interprets laws.) This system helps balance power, so each part of the government can check and limit the others.

    3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government influenced New York state and local governments mainly through funding, regulations, and health guidance. Major relief bills like the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan provided billions to support testing, vaccinations, unemployment, and rent aid. Federal agencies like the CDC and OSHA issued mandates and guidance, while Supreme Court decisions limited some federal powers. In response, New York developed its own health programs and policies to protect residents, especially when federal support decreased.

  4. 1.Describe the primary differences in the role of citizens in government, among the federal, confederation, and unitary systems. In the federation authority comes from the people. But its divided into central and state governments. Confederation, the states hold the power and gives power the the national government. In the Unitary system, the national government, posseses the power and gives power to the states.

    2.Briefly explain how you understand the system of division of power. Division of power is power thats spread among multiple outlets. Such as the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branch. They all play a role in ensuring they facilitate decisions, authority and responsibilities, but have checks and balances to ensure one division doesn’t gain to much power.

    3.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. The federal government shape the actions of state and local governments due to funding. Funding needed during emergencies to facilitate help through the Cares Act or American rescue plan act. It gave NY, the ability to pay for hospital resources, unemployment benefits, vaccine distribution. The CDC gave guidance on how people should conduct themselves in public. The state didn’t have to adhere as it it was law. But the state obliged due to concern of outbreaks.

  5. 1. In a federal system, power is shared between a national
    government and regional governments, which means citizens can
    participate in different levels of decision-making. They vote in local
    and national elections, contact both state and federal officials, and
    have influence over policies in multiple areas. In a confederation, the
    central government has limited authority, so citizens mostly deal with
    their regional or state governments. These regional governments
    make the majority of decisions, and the central government is more of
    a support system. In a unitary system, power is held almost entirely
    by the central government. Local governments exist but only carry out
    tasks assigned by the national government. Citizens can still vote and
    participate, but their influence is mostly directed at the central level
    since regional authorities have limited power to act independently.

    2. The division of power refers to how authority is split between
    different levels of government. In the United States, the Constitution
    outlines the responsibilities of the federal government, such as
    national defense, foreign policy, and regulating trade between states.
    It also gives states control over areas like education, policing, and
    local infrastructure. This balance of power is meant to prevent one
    level of government from becoming too dominant while allowing
    flexibility to address local needs. It creates a system where federal
    laws apply across the country, but states still have the freedom to
    make decisions that reflect the needs of their communities.

    3. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government played a
    major role in shaping how New York State and local governments
    responded. Federal agencies like the CDC provided public health
    guidelines for masking, social distancing, and quarantine protocols.
    Funding from federal relief programs like the CARES Act and the
    American Rescue Plan helped New York expand hospital capacity,
    distribute vaccines, purchase PPE, and support struggling businesses
    and workers. The federal government also deployed FEMA and the
    National Guard to assist with testing and vaccination efforts. While
    New York made its own decisions about school closures and other
    safety rules, those choices were often influenced by federal guidance
    and tied to requirements for receiving federal funding. This shows
    how the federal government can shape state and local actions, even
    when states have the final say.

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