Federalism and COVID 19

Federalism and COVID 19

The national emergency along with the uncertainty that can be attributed to COVID-19 has motivated a national discussion of the roles of citizens, the civil society, as well as the federal, state, and the local governments.

Considering a republic, in which case power resides among its people and is mediated through elected representatives, this is a matter of concern to political accountability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Congress and the Administration are often deemed responsible for decisions and policies, as well as their consequences, that were actually under the authority of state or local government. This experience highlights the lack of basic knowledge, among not only American citizens, but their leaders and the media, about our system of government. Properly evaluating government operation together with performance of elected leaders, is impossible devoid such knowledge. Federalism, appropriately understood as well as implemented, is an effective model that facilitates responding to COVID-19 pandemic. It gives room for flexibility in states to make suitable decisions that have been informed by the actual conditions as well as impact of policy choices.

Academic level   Undergraduate.

Type of paper     Other

Discipline   U.S. Government

Pages         2